Aims: To examine the regional changes in lean mass (LM), fat mass(FM), and bone mineral mass (BMM).

Subjects: Preterm infants (birthweight ≤ 1750g, gestational age ≤ 34 weeks).

Methods: Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) was performed at discharge, term, 3, 6 and 12 m corrected age. The data was analysed by ANOVA.

Results: The results (mean) are presented in the table below (*p<0.05 for differences between sexes at that point). Significant increases, which were all detected by term, were noted in regional LM, FM, and BMM between discharge and 12 m. Increments differed regionally, with LM predominantly deposited on the trunk, FM on the legs, and BMM on the skull. At discharge, LM content of arms and trunk was greater in boys than girls. At 12 m, LM content of all regions, except legs, was also greater in boys.

Table 1 No caption available.
Full size table

Conclusions: The rate of LM, FM and BMM accretion during the first year of life varies by region. Sex differences in regional accretion are also detectable by DEXA.