Changes in bone denity were recognized in the long bones (humerus) of premature babies on plain x-ray radiographs of chests in short term interval. This study was designed to estimate the osteopenia of premature babies and to find reliable causes of o...
Changes in bone denity were recognized in the long bones (humerus) of premature babies on plain x-ray radiographs of chests in short term interval. This study was designed to estimate the osteopenia of premature babies and to find reliable causes of osteopenia.
Plain x-ray radiographies of 20 premature babies (group A) were taken on the day of birth and about 10 day after birth. The humeral cortial indeces and the patterns of bone density were evaluated each time. Gesational age, birth weight. duration of total parenteral nutrition and duration of phototherapy of subjective babies were recorded. For comparison, 20 term babies (group B) were studied, too.
Stastistical significances were noted between the changes of bone density and gestational age and birth weight (P=0.0064, 0.0007). Decreased bone density were seen in premature babies in short interval. There is a significant relation between changes of bone density and durations of phototherapy (P=0.0233)