Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Analysis of Minerals Produced by hFOB 1.19 and Saos-2 Cells Using Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Microanalysis
14:55

Analysis of Minerals Produced by hFOB 1.19 and Saos-2 Cells Using Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Microanalysis

Published on: June 24, 2018

[Calcium-phosphate metabolism in pre-term infants]

H Wolf, A Otten

    Klinische Padiatrie
    |March 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    Preterm infants often experience hypocalcemia and rickets due to calcium-phosphate deficiency. Supplementing with phosphate alongside vitamin D is crucial for preventing these conditions in vulnerable newborns.

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatal physiology
    • Pediatric nutrition
    • Mineral metabolism

    Context:

    • Preterm infants have unique calcium-phosphate metabolism challenges.
    • Gestational age significantly impacts fetal calcium accumulation.
    • Postnatal hypocalcemia is more prevalent in preterm infants.

    Purpose:

    • To review the physiological and clinical aspects of calcium-phosphate metabolism in preterm infants.
    • To highlight the prevalence and indicators of hypocalcemia and rickets in this population.
    • To discuss optimal supplementation strategies.

    Summary:

    • Calcium accumulation is highest in late gestation, making preterm infants susceptible to hypocalcemia.
    • Low serum phosphate levels, despite vitamin D supplementation, are common and linked to rickets.
    • Increased alkaline phosphatase activity serves as an early indicator of rickets.

    Impact:

    • Emphasizes the inadequacy of vitamin D supplementation alone for preterm infants.
    • Recommends combined vitamin D and phosphate supplementation for preventing rickets.
    • Informs clinical practice regarding nutritional support for preterm neonates.

    More Related Videos

    A Simple Pit Assay Protocol to Visualize and Quantify Osteoclastic Resorption In Vitro07:03

    A Simple Pit Assay Protocol to Visualize and Quantify Osteoclastic Resorption In Vitro

    Published on: June 16, 2022

    Novel Quantification Protocol for Cardiovascular Calcification Progression Using Longitudinal MicroPET/MicroCT Images08:02

    Novel Quantification Protocol for Cardiovascular Calcification Progression Using Longitudinal MicroPET/MicroCT Images

    Published on: November 15, 2024

    Related Concept Videos

    Introduction to Electrolytes01:33

    Introduction to Electrolytes

    In humans, electrolytes play a vital role in various physiological processes. Balancing electrolyte levels is essential for normal body functions; their imbalance can be life-threatening. The major electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate. They are primarily involved in physiological processes, such as nerve signal transmission, membrane trafficking, muscle contraction, buffering body fluids, and balancing water levels in the body.
    Role of Sodium
    One...
    Hormones and Bone Tissue01:17

    Hormones and Bone Tissue

    The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
    Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
    Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
    Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis01:21

    Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis

    Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
    The Parathyroid Glands00:59

    The Parathyroid Glands

    The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
    Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
    Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate01:27

    Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate

    Calcium and phosphate are essential electrolytes in the human body, with calcium being the most abundant mineral. Around 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the skeleton and teeth, forming a crystal lattice of mineral salts in combination with phosphates. Calcium plays crucial roles in various bodily functions such as blood clotting, neurotransmitter release, muscle tone maintenance, and nervous and muscle tissue excitability.
    The calcium concentration in blood plasma is primarily regulated...
    Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

    Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

    In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...