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Bone mineral status in preterm-born children: assessment by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
1Department of Pediatrics, Fukui Medical School, Japan.
Insights
Preterm infants with osteopenia (low bone mass) show normal bone density by early childhood. This study tracked bone development in children born prematurely, finding spontaneous recovery from early bone deficits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Orthopedics
- Neonatology
Background:
- Osteopenia of prematurity is a common complication in preterm infants.
- Early life mineral intake is often insufficient in these vulnerable infants.
- Previous studies indicated osteopenia at term postconception in similar cohorts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term skeletal consequences of osteopenia of prematurity.
- To assess lumbar spinal bone mass in preterm-born children during early childhood.
- To determine if early osteopenia resolves spontaneously.
Main Methods:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure lumbar spinal bone mass.
- The study included 21 children born preterm, assessed at 3-4 years of age.
- Serum osteocalcin levels were measured as a biomarker of bone metabolism.
Main Results:
- All 21 children exhibited normal bone mineral content and density at 3-4 years of age.
- Slightly elevated serum osteocalcin levels were observed in the cohort.
- This indicates a resolution of previously diagnosed osteopenia.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous resolution of lumbar spinal osteopenia occurs during early childhood in preterm-born children.
- Preterm infants with early bone deficits can achieve normal bone mass by preschool age.
- Monitoring bone health in preterm infants is crucial, with potential for natural recovery.
Abstract:
To elucidate the long-term consequences of osteopenia of prematurity, lumbar spinal bone mass was measured in 21 preterm-born children aged 3-4 years by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Their mineral intake remained low during early life, and all 11 infants previously studied were osteopenic at term postconception. At the age of 3-4 years, however, all 21 children were found to have normal bone mineral content and density with slightly elevated serum osteocalcin levels. Our results show that in preterm-born children spontaneous resolution of lumbar spinal osteopenia occurs during early childhood.