Bone ultrasound velocity in small- versus appropriate-for-gestational age preterm infants. |
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| Authors: | M Chen T Ashmeade J D Carver |
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| Institution: | Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics,University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33606, USA. |
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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 (33.3+/-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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