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

M Chen; T Ashmeade; J D Carver

doi:10.1038/sj.jp.7211769

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

J Perinatol. 2007 Aug;27(8):485-9. doi: 10.1038/sj.jp.7211769. Epub 2007 Jun 14.

Authors

M Chen¹, T Ashmeade, J D Carver

Affiliation

¹ Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics,University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33606, USA.

PMID: 17568756
DOI: 10.1038/sj.jp.7211769

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.

Publication types

Comparative Study

MeSH terms

Cross-Sectional Studies
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature*
Infant, Small for Gestational Age*
Tibia / diagnostic imaging*
Ultrasonography / methods