Original Article

Journal of Perinatology (2007) 27, 485–489; doi:10.1038/sj.jp.7211769; published online 14 June 2007

Bone ultrasound velocity in small- versus appropriate-for-gestational age preterm infants

M Chen1, T Ashmeade1 and J D Carver1

1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics,University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA

Correspondence: Dr JD Carver, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 17 Davis Blvd, Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33606, USA. E-mail: jcarver@health.usf.edu

Received 5 January 2007; Revised 8 May 2007; Accepted 10 May 2007; Published online 14 June 2007.

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Abstract

Objective:

 

To compare bone status of small-for-gestational age (SGA) versus appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) newborn preterm infants.

Study design:

 

Tibial speed of sound (SOS) was measured in 144 infants categorized as SGA or AGA using the reference tables of Lubchenco et al. and Alexander et al.

Results:

 

By the Lubchenco tables, 22% of infants were SGA and 75% were AGA. The mean gestational ages of SGA and AGA were similar (33.3plusminus2.6 and 32.5plusminus2.4 weeks, respectively, P=0.09); however, SGA infant birth weights were lower (1329plusminus392 and 1829plusminus481 g, respectively, P<0.001). SOS values were higher for SGA versus AGA infants (3098plusminus135 and 3003plusminus122 m/s, respectively. P<0.001). Use of the Alexander tables yielded a twofold increase in the percent of infants categorized as SGA; SOS values remained significantly greater for SGA infants (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

 

Higher tibial SOS values in SGA versus AGA infants indicate greater bone strength.

Keywords:

quantitative ultrasound, bone, preterm, SGA, neonate

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