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Calcium and Phosphorus Intake in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants: Implications for Osteopenia Prevention and
Piyarat Kajohntridach1, Premsak Laoyookhong2, Tippawan Siritientong1,3
1Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) and osteopenia had lower calcium and phosphorus intake, impacting bone growth. Timely supplementation is crucial for preventing osteopenia and promoting growth in VLBW infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Osteopenia is a significant concern in preterm infants, particularly those with very low birth weight (VLBW).
- Adequate calcium and phosphorus intake is essential for bone mineralization and growth in this vulnerable population.
- Previous research suggests a link between nutrient intake and osteopenia development in VLBW infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare calcium and phosphorus intake via enteral and parenteral routes in VLBW preterm infants diagnosed with osteopenia versus controls.
- To assess the impact of nutrient intake on growth parameters in VLBW preterm infants with osteopenia.
- To evaluate the relationship between nutrient supplementation and the risk of osteopenia in VLBW infants.
Main Methods:
- A single-center, retrospective study was conducted involving VLBW preterm infants (<1,500 g).
- Infants diagnosed with osteopenia (case group) were compared to control infants.
- Calcium and phosphorus intake, as well as growth metrics (weight gain, head circumference), were assessed during the first 28 days of life and throughout hospitalization.
Main Results:
- Infants with osteopenia showed significantly lower average weekly calcium and phosphorus intake during the first 4 weeks post-birth compared to controls.
- The osteopenia group exhibited lower average daily weight gain (19.03 g vs. 21.45 g) and smaller head circumference growth (0.57 cm vs. 0.68 cm).
- Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in nutrient intake and growth parameters between the case and control groups (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Lower calcium and phosphorus intake is associated with osteopenia and impaired growth in VLBW preterm infants.
- Timely and sufficient supplementation of calcium and phosphorus is necessary to prevent osteopenia.
- Optimizing nutrient delivery is critical for promoting optimal bone growth and overall development in VLBW infants.
Purpose:
Sufficient calcium and phosphorus supplementation in preterm infants may ensure proper bone growth and reduce the risk of osteopenia. This study aimed to assess-in comparison to controls-the calcium and phosphorus intake via both enteral and parenteral routes, as well as growth, of preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) who were diagnosed with osteopenia. Assessment took place during the first 28 days of life; infants were followed throughout hospitalization.
Methods:
We conducted a single-center, retrospective study of preterm infants weighing <1,500 g who were admitted to a tertiary healthcare center between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2022.
Results:
The study included 55 infants with osteopenia (case group) and 220 control infants (control group). The average weekly calcium intake in the case group during the first 4 weeks after birth was significantly lower than that of the control group, with values of 1.45, 1.98, 3.06, and 4.02 mEq/kg/day versus 1.64, 3.10, 4.89, and 5.69 mEq/kg/day, respectively (p<0.05). Similarly, phosphorus intake was significantly lower in the case group (0.75, 1.24, 1.29, and 1.45 mmoL/kg/day) compared to the control group (0.75, 1.38, 1.62, and 1.79 mmoL/kg/day; p<0.05). Preterm infants with VLBW and osteopenia exhibited lower average daily weight gain (19.03 g vs. 21.45 g; p<0.001) and a smaller gain in head circumference (0.57 cm vs. 0.68 cm; p<0.001) compared to controls.
Conclusion:
This findings highlight the necessity for timely provision of calcium and phosphorus to prevent osteopenia and promote optimal growth in this vulnerable population.
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