Treatment and prevention of neonatal osteopenia

Osteopenia is a recognised cause of pathological fracture in preterm infants. The commonest etiology for osteopenia is mineral deficiency resulting in suboptimal bone formation. Various risk factors affecting bone growth have been implicated. Preterm infants who depend on prolonged total parenteral nutrition and have chronic co-morbidities, such as chronic lung disease and short-gut syndrome, are particularly vulnerable to this complication. Early detection by vigorous monitoring of bone homeostasis and prompt treatment of osteopenia are warranted in these high-risk infants. The aims of this article are to (1) identify infants who are prone to develop osteopenia, and (2) minimise its occurrence and complications.