[Brittle bone disease type III in neonates--own experience]

Fractures of long bone and ribs in the neonatal period may be expression of genetic disturbances of collagen type I production. The aim of the study was to present clinical symptoms, results of radiological, biochemical and densitometric examinations in 11 newborns with osteogenesis imperfecta type III.

In all children accurate medical history, clinical examination and radiograph were performed. We measured concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and osteocalcin (bone formation marker) in serum. Urinary excretion of bone resorption marker type I collagen N-telopeptide related to creatinine were made. In 5/11 children densitometric examination in Infant programme by DXA method (dual-X-ray absorptiometry) were done.

In all family osteogenesis imperfecta occurred by the first. In clinical examination deformities in body proportion, shortness of the extremities, sabre shanks, flabbily of skull bones and reduction of activity were diagnosed. 8/11 newborns had blue sclera. In all X-ray (baby-gram) bone fractures occurring in utero as well as after birth were founded. In biochemical indices a small numbers of abnormality were described. In 5/11 newborns with results of densitometric examination normal bone mineral density adequate to body mass were demonstrated, in 3/5 bone mineral content (BMC) were decreased.

1.Osteogens esis imperfecta is the one of reasons of bone fractures in neonates and its diagnosis is based on family history, clinical manifestation and X-ray examination. 2. In newborns with bone fractures dual X-ray absorptiometry are recomendated.