Osteopenia - premature infants

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Neonatal rickets; Rickets - premature infants; Brittle bones - premature infants; Weak bones - premature infants

Most premature infants born before 30 weeks have some degree of osteopenia, but will not have any physical symptoms.

Infants with severe osteopenia may have decreased movement or swelling of an arm or leg due to an unknown fracture.

Osteopenia is more difficult to diagnose in premature infants than in adults. The most common tests used to diagnose and monitor osteopenia of prematurity include:

• X-rays
• Blood tests to check levels of calcium, phosphorus, and a protein called alkaline phosphatase
• Ultrasound

Review Date: 10/23/2006
Reviewed By: John Goldenring, MD, MPH, JD, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.