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A Cross-Sectional Study on Corrected-Term Screening for Osteopenia/Metabolic Bone Disease of Prematurity in Preterm
Amtul Saleem Asfa1, Kagithapu Surender2, Chitra Lekha B S3
1Pediatrics, Modern Government Maternity Hospital, Petlaburj, Hyderabad, IND.
Insights
Metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBDP) affects 20% of preterm infants, linked to delayed feeding and severe illness. Early identification and intervention are crucial for these vulnerable newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Osteopenia/metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBDP) is a significant complication in preterm and very-low-birth-weight neonates.
- It stems from insufficient third-trimester mineral accretion and challenges in postnatal nutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of osteopenia/MBDP in preterm neonates born before 34 weeks gestation or with birth weight under 1500 grams.
- To identify associated risk factors for the condition.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional observational study involving 110 preterm neonates in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
- Data collected included demographics, risk factors, respiratory support, parenteral nutrition, feeding, biochemical, and radiological parameters.
- Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of osteopenia/MBDP was found to be 20% (22 out of 110 neonates).
- Associated factors included lower birth weight, lower gestational age, small for gestational age (SGA) status, prolonged CPAP/mechanical ventilation, extended TPN, prolonged caffeine use, and delayed enteral feeding.
Conclusions:
- Osteopenia/MBDP is a common condition in preterm neonates.
- Delayed enteral feeding and increased neonatal illness severity are strongly associated with the development of osteopenia/MBDP.
Background:
Osteopenia/metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBDP) is an important morbidity among preterm and very-low-birth-weight neonates due to reduced third-trimester mineral accretion and postnatal nutritional challenges.
Aim:
This study aimed to find the prevalence of osteopenia/MBDP in preterm neonates born before 34 weeks of gestation and/or with birth weight <1500 g.
Methods:
This cross-sectional observational research was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Warangal, India, from September 2022 to April 2024. A total of 110 eligible preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were included. Demographic variables, neonatal risk factors, respiratory support, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) exposure, caffeine use, feeding details, biochemical parameters, and radiological findings were recorded. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results: Osteopenia/MBDP was diagnosed in 22 neonates, giving a prevalence of 20%. Lower birth weight, lower gestational age, small for gestational age (SGA) status, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) >5 days, mechanical ventilation >5 days, TPN >1 week, caffeine citrate >20 days, and delayed enteral feeding were associated with disease.
Conclusion:
Osteopenia/MBDP is common among preterm neonates and is strongly associated with delayed feeding and neonatal illness severity.
