Incidencia de osteopenia en pacientes menores de 34 semanas de gestación en una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales / Incidence of osteopenia in premature newborns of less than 34 weeks' gestation in a neonatal intensive care unit

RESUMEN

Introducción: Se estima que en el mundo hay cerca de 13 millones anuales de prematuros. La osteopenia del prematuro se caracteriza por desmineralización del hueso. Es multifactorial, progresiva y de severidad variable. Aparece en el 30% de los menores de 1,500 g. Se presenta en más del 50% de los recién nacidos con peso menor a 1,000 g. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, longitudinal, descriptivo y comparativo en recién nacidos prematuros menores de 34 semanas. Se determinaron los niveles séricos de calcio, fósforo y fosfatasa alcalina a los 7, 14, 21 y 28 días de vida. Para el análisis de resultados se utilizó ANOVA. Resultados: Se estudiaron 16 pacientes. La incidencia de osteopenia fue de 31.2, y de 75% en menores de 1,000 g. A partir del día 14 de vida, se observó una disminución del fósforo y una tendencia a elevarse anormalmente la fosfatasa alcalina. El 80% de los niños cursaron con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria tipo I y displasia broncopulmonar. Discusión: Se identificaron como factores de riesgo para osteopenia el ayuno prolongado, nutrición parenteral prolongada sin fosfatos orgánicos, bajos aportes de vitamina D y ausencia de ejercicios preventivos. Hubo datos paraclínicos que permiten identificar de manera temprana al prematuro con alto riesgo para desarrollar la enfermedad.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Every year, there are over 13 million premature infants worldwide. Osteopenia of prematurity is a metabolic disease in which demineralization of bones is seen; it is progressive and variable in severity. It is found in 30% of preemies less than 1,500 g and increases up to 50% if born weighing less than 1,000 g. Material and methods: A longitudinal, descriptive, prospective and comparative research was done including preterm babies of less than 34 weeks' gestation. A follow-up of serum calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase was carried out in days 7, 14, 21 and 28 of life. An ANOVA test was used for statistic analysis. Results: After 5 babies were discarded, 16 preterm newborns were studied, of which 11 were female and 5 male. General prevalence of osteopenia was 31.2% but it increased up to 75% in those children born weighing less than 1,000 g. Diminished phosphorus was observed as well as a tendency of the alkaline phosphatase to increase from day 14. Eighty per cent of the patients studied had respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia as well. Discussion: The risk factors identified were late enteral stimuli, prolonged parenteral nutrition, no use of organic phosphate, low amounts of vitamin D administered and no preventive physical activity. We noticed there are paraclinical data that may identify babies at high risk for osteopenia.