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Rickets of prematurity: controversies in causation and prevention
1Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
Clinics in Perinatology
|December 1, 1988
Insights
Metabolic bone disease affects premature infants due to insufficient calcium and phosphorus. Aggressively replicating intrauterine growth may not be necessary and could lead to complications in VLBW infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Metabolic bone disease is a significant concern in premature infants.
- Inadequate calcium and phosphorus intake over time contributes to this condition.
- Preventing severe bone disease is a key objective in VLBW infant care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the necessity and potential risks of attempting to replicate intrauterine bone accretion rates in premature infants.
Main Methods:
- This study reviews existing literature and clinical practices regarding nutritional support and bone health in VLBW infants.
- Analysis of current feeding protocols and their impact on bone mineralization.
Main Results:
- Achieving exact intrauterine bone accretion rates may be unnecessary for VLBW infants.
- Such attempts can potentially lead to complications, outweighing the benefits.
Conclusions:
- Current approaches to nutritional support for VLBW infants should be carefully considered.
- Overly aggressive nutritional strategies aiming to mimic intrauterine accretion may pose risks and require re-evaluation.
Abstract:
Metabolic bone disease in the growing premature infant is an important disorder owing to inadequate intake of calcium or phosphorus over an extended period of time. Prevention of serious bone disease is an important goal in the care of the VLBW infant. Attempts to reproduce intrauterine bone accretion rates in intrauterine life may be unnecessary and may result in potential complications.