RESUMO
PURPOSE: The aim was to determine whether the quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameter speed of sound (SOS) is sufficient for evaluation of reference data in the newborn and how they are influenced. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 219 full-term and 14 preterm infants (gestational age 28-41 weeks (GA), birth weight 590-4,930 g) were evaluated by Omnisense 7000 P on their tibia. Reference values were sampled in 178 eutrophic infants. RESULTS: SOS reference values at the tibia were 3028 m/s for GA<40 and 3057 m/s for ≥ 40 weeks. There was a significant correlation between SOS and gestational age. SOS was significantly higher in male (3058.3±93.3 vs. 3022.8±93.4 m/s; p 0.012) infants. If birth weight was below 3,800 g, there was a correlation between SOS and weight (p<0.05). Preterm infants showed lower SOS than term babies (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Speed of sound can be evaluated sufficiently in preterm and term infants on the tibia. The estimated reference data can be used to identify osteopenia in the preterm infant with low birth weight.