ARS | Publication request: Osteopenia (metabolic bone disease) of prematurity

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: June 20, 2011
Publication Date: January 20, 2012
Citation: Abrams, S.A. 2012. Osteopenia (metabolic bone disease) of prematurity. In: Cloherty, J.P., Eichenwald, E.C., Hansen, A.R., Stark, A.R., editors. Manual of Neonatal Care. 7th edition. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 762-766.

Technical Abstract: Osteopenia is defined as postnatal bone mineralization that is inadequate to fully mineralize bones. Osteopenia occurs commonly in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Prior to the use of high-mineral containing diets for premature infants, which is the current practice, significant radiographic changes were seen in about half of the infants with birth weight <1,000 g. The current incidence is unknown and is likely closely associated with the severity of overall illness and the degree of prematurity. It may still be seen in as many as half of all infants with birth weight <600g.