Calcium and phosphorus nutrition in preterm infants.
Metabolic bone disease is a common event in preterm infants. Between 24 wk gestation and term, the fetus accrues approximately 80% of body Ca, P and Mg. Consequently, preterm infants miss in part or completely the period of greatest mineral accretion. Ca and P requirements in preterm infants are based on demands for matching intrauterine bone mineral accretion rates and on maintenance of normal serum Ca and P concentrations. Daily physical therapy may be a useful adjunct, as it is associated with a significant increase in bone mineral density and content. Osteopenia/rickets of prematurity seems to be a self-resolving disease. However, this does not imply that a period of demineralization is acceptable. While the potential long-term consequences on peak bone mass are unclear at the moment, the short-term benefits include the avoidance of fractures, less marked dolicocephaly and improved linear growth.
Demarini
Sergio
S
Division of Neonatology, Istituto per l'Infanzia Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy. demarini@burlo.trieste.it
D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000517:prevention & control; D002118:Calcium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D018529:Nutritional Support; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010758:Phosphorus; D002118:Calcium