Osteopenia - premature infants

A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Neonatal rickets; Brittle bones - premature infants; Weak bones - premature infants; Osteopenia of prematurity

Most premature infants born before 30 weeks have some degree of osteopenia, but will not have any physical symptoms.

Infants with severe osteopenia may have decreased movement or swelling of an arm or leg due to an unknown fracture.

Osteopenia is more difficult to diagnose in premature infants than in adults. The most common tests used to diagnose and monitor osteopenia of prematurity include:

• Blood tests to check levels of calcium, phosphorus, and a protein called alkaline phosphatase
• Ultrasound
• X-rays

Review Date: 11/02/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

---

---