Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measurements in small versus appropriate birth weight for gestation neonates

Abstract

Background: Small for gestation (SGA) neonates have lower birth weight (<10th percentile) and lower bone mass compared to those born with appropriate birth weights (AGA, 10th to 90th percentile). QUS measurements are thought to reflect multiple parameters in addition to bone mass which contributed to bone strength and there are limited data on QUS measurements in SGA infants.Hypothesis: SGA infants will have lower QUS measurements compared to AGA neonates.Methods: Speed of sound (SOS) measurements were obtained at left tibia with a commercial axial transmission QUS device using manufacturer (Sunlight Omnisense 7000S Bone Sonometer) supplied neonatal software and CR and/or CS probes. CV of duplicate measurement was 0.6% of mean. None of the SGA infants had any known intrauterine infectious or genetic disorders. All measurements were performed within a few days after birth. Based on the expected lower birth weight and bone mass of SGA infants, this study was powered to detect a 10% difference in SOS between AGA and SGA neonates.Results:Conclusion: There were no significant differences in QUS SOS measurements between SGA and AGA neonates.