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

Journal of Perinatology volume 27, pages 485–489 (2007)Cite this article

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 (33.3±2.6 and 32.5±2.4 weeks, respectively, P=0.09); however, SGA infant birth weights were lower (1329±392 and 1829±481 g, respectively, P<0.001). SOS values were higher for SGA versus AGA infants (3098±135 and 3003±122 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.

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Authors and Affiliations

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

    M Chen, T Ashmeade & J D Carver

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  1. M Chen
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  2. T Ashmeade
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  3. J D Carver
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Correspondence to J D Carver.

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Chen, M., Ashmeade, T. & Carver, J. Bone ultrasound velocity in small- versus appropriate-for-gestational age preterm infants. J Perinatol 27, 485–489 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211769

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211769

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