Body composition of preterm infants during infancy

• DOI: 10.1136/fn.80.3.f188
• Publication Date: 2009-04-08T15:39:47Z
• Authors: D J Rawlings; R J Cooke; K McCormick; I J Griffin; K Faulkner; J C K Wells; J S Smith; S J Robinson
• Keywords: Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry; Bone mineral content

<h3>AIMS</h3> To examine body composition in preterm infants. <h3>METHODS</h3> Body was measured by dual energy <i>x</i>-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at hospital discharge, term, 12 weeks, and 6 months corrected age 125 infants (birthweight ⩽ 1750 g, gestational 34 weeks). <h3>RESULTS</h3> weight derived DEXA accurately predicted that determined conventional scales. In both sexes lean mass (LM), fat (FM), %FM, bone area (BA), mineral (BMM), density (BMD) increased rapidly during the study; significant changes were detectable between discharge term. At months, LM, BA, BMM, but not FM, or BMD greater boys than girls. Corrected for age, LM less those of reference term infant; FM %FM similar; BMM greater. weight, similar to infant, while study slightly <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> measures mass. girls differs. Interpretation values may depend on whether are regarded as appropriate reference.