[Disorders of bone metabolism in premature infants]. / Knochenstoffwechselstörungen bei Frühgeborenen.

ABSTRACT

Extremely low birth weight infants are particularly prone to rickets (osteopenia) due to their rapid growth and to deficient intake of calcium and phosphate. In some premature infants suffering from phosphate depletion hypercalcemia syndrome may precede bone demineralisation. Additionally, the adverse effects of calciprivic drugs (phenytoin, phenobarbital, glucocorticoids, furosemide, heparin) contributing to the development of neonatal rickets are discussed. Phosphorus depleted or heparin treated experimental animals develop impairment of mineralisation as manifested by rickets or osteomalacia. Some clinical cases of neonatal rickets are reported and a dosage schedule for parenteral infusion of minerals is given.