Summary
Researchers studied the potential of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) to assess osteopenia of prematurity in 51 preterm infants. They found that QUS parameters, particularly ultrasound velocity (hSOS) and bone transmission time (BTT), were linked to several key factors, including:
Gestational age:
Babies born earlier had lower hSOS and higher hBTT, indicating less developed bone.
Length and weight at birth and QUS measurement:
Larger babies had higher hSOS and lower hBTT, suggesting better bone development.
Postconceptional age:
As babies grew older, their hSOS increased, indicating bone maturation.
These findings suggest that QUS could be a valuable tool for non-invasively monitoring bone health and development in preterm infants, potentially aiding in early diagnosis and intervention for osteopenia.
