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Prematurity and low birth weight lead to altered bone geometry, strength, and quality in children

S Longhi1, F Mercolini1, L Carloni1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Regional Hospital, Via L. Boehler 5, 39100, Bolzano, Italy.

Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|December 26, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Children born prematurely or small for gestational age (SGA) have reduced bone mass. Those born both premature and SGA showed the most significant bone geometry, strength, and quality deficits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric endocrinology
  • Bone health
  • Growth and development

Background:

  • Prematurity and small for gestational age (SGA) are linked to lower bone mass.
  • Understanding the long-term skeletal implications is crucial for pediatric health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess bone geometry, strength, and quality in children born at term small for gestational age (term SGA), premature appropriate for gestational age (prem AGA), and premature SGA (prem SGA).

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated 91 children (mean age 11.28 years) across three groups: term SGA, prem SGA, and prem AGA.
  • Assessed bone geometry and strength using the 2nd metacarpal bone.
  • Measured bone quality via ultrasound, including bone transmission time (BTT).

Main Results:

  • All three groups exhibited significantly lower bone geometry, strength, and quality compared to reference ranges.
  • Premature SGA children showed a significantly reduced bone transmission time (BTT).
  • Body fat percentage was identified as the primary determinant of BTT.

Conclusions:

  • Children born prematurely or SGA generally present with smaller and weaker bones.
  • The combination of prematurity and SGA has the most pronounced negative impact on bone health.
Abstract

Keywords:
Bone geometryBone strengthBone ultrasoundPrematuritySmall for gestational age

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