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Postnatal Changes in Tibial Bone Speed of Sound of Preterm and Term Infants during Infancy

Hsiu-Lin Chen1,2, Wei-Te Lee1, Pei-Lun Lee1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Plos One
|November 11, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Tibial bone speed of sound (SOS) in infants initially declines then rises. Age and birth SOS are key factors influencing bone development in both preterm and term infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Orthopedics
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Bone health assessment in infancy is crucial for long-term skeletal development.
  • Quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) offers a non-invasive method to evaluate bone properties.
  • Understanding developmental trajectories of bone speed of sound (SOS) in preterm and term infants is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To track changes in tibial bone speed of sound (SOS) throughout infancy in preterm and term infants.
  • To identify factors influencing tibial bone SOS development during the first 12-15 months of life.
  • To compare the bone development patterns between preterm and term infants.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study involving 155 preterm and 65 term infants.
  • Tibial bone SOS measured via quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) at birth, 1 month, and every 2 months up to 12-15 months.
  • Statistical analysis using a longitudinal mixed-effect model.

Main Results:

  • Mean tibial bone SOS at birth was higher in term infants compared to preterm infants.
  • Tibial bone SOS initially declined for the first 4 months, then increased until 12-15 months.
  • The rate of increase in SOS was greater in preterm infants after 2 months corrected age; no significant differences by 12-15 months.
  • Age and birth SOS were significant predictors of tibial bone SOS changes.

Conclusions:

  • Significant differences exist in the pattern of tibial bone SOS changes between preterm and term infants during the first year of life.
  • Age and initial bone speed of sound at birth are critical determinants of tibial bone development in infancy.
  • QUS is a valuable tool for monitoring infant bone health and identifying potential developmental variations.

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