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Influence of birth weight on calcaneal bone stiffness in Belgian preadolescent children

Karen Van den Bussche1, Nathalie Michels, Luis Gracia-Marco

  • 1Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. karen.vdbussche@gmail.com

Calcified Tissue International
|August 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Birth weight is linked to calcaneal bone stiffness in children, measured by broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and speed of sound (SOS). This association suggests early life factors may impact future osteoporosis risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Bone Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Birth weight is a critical indicator of intrauterine development.
  • Childhood bone health is crucial for lifelong skeletal integrity.
  • Osteoporosis risk is influenced by factors established early in life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between birth weight and calcaneal bone stiffness in healthy preadolescent children.
  • To assess calcaneal bone properties using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in relation to birth weight.
  • To explore potential early life predictors of bone health.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 827 Belgian children (ages 3.6-11.2 years) from the IDEFICS study participated.
  • Birth weight was recorded via parental questionnaire.
  • Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measured broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS), and stiffness index (SI).

Main Results:

  • Birth weight showed a positive association with BUA (r=0.13, p=0.002) and a negative association with SOS (r=-0.16, p<0.001).
  • These associations persisted after adjusting for age and sex.
  • The link between birth weight and calcaneal bone properties diminished after accounting for anthropometric covariates.

Conclusions:

  • Birth weight, reflecting intrauterine conditions, is associated with calcaneal bone ultrasound parameters (BUA and SOS) in preadolescent children.
  • These findings suggest that early life factors, indicated by birth weight, may influence bone health trajectory.
  • Further research with QUS is warranted to confirm these associations and their long-term implications for osteoporosis risk.

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