Abstract
Background and aims: Osteopenia is an emerging problem in Neonatology. We studied if higher intakes of aminoacids (AA) provide bone growth advantages in preterm newborns without AA intolerance.
Methods: Patients with birth weight (BW) < 1250 g were randomly assigned from birth to receive lower (maximum 2,5 g/Kg/day, group L) or higher (maximum 4 g/Kg/day, group H) parenteral AA with the same non-proteic-energy and mineral intakes. By means of Quantitative Ultrasound (DBM-Sonic- BP Igea, Italy), to assess bone quality, we measured the second metacarpus Bone Trasmission Time (mcBTT; µs) at birth, days 7, 14, 21, and 36 weeks of gestational age (GA) together with blood emogasanalysis, urea, calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, and urine output. Data are expressed as mean±SD; statistical significance analyzed by SPSS 13.0 (p< 0.05).
Results: We enrolled 47 vs 46 patients (L vs H groups). No differences for basal clinical, bone, blood parameters and BW (887,23±219.96 vs 917,37±190,30 g) were detected. Urea on day 7 was higher in group H (10,17±5,39 vs 12,76±4,84 mmol/l; p=0.04); no differences were found between groups for bone (days 7, 14, 21) and blood parameters at any other time. Nonetheless we found a positive correlation between mcBTT and blood phosphorus on day 21 (r=0,42; p=0,001); higher AA intakes in the first 3 weeks of life resulted in better mcBTT values at 36 weeks GA (0,40±0,04 µs vs 0,43±0,05 µs; p=0,04).
Conclusion: Early higher AA intakes could improve bone growth without short term AA intolerance. Further studies are required to evaluate long term bone growth.
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Gaio, P., Scattolin, S., Cogo, P. et al. 369 Parenteral Aminoacids Administration in Preterm Newborns of Birth Weight < 1250 G: Possible Advantages of Higher Intakes. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 190 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00369
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00369