Study of Bone Mineralization and Renal Function Biochemical Parameters in Preterm and Term Infants

The objective of the presented work was to study and compare different biochemical parameters of bone mineralization and renal function in preterm and term infants. The study included 150 newborn babies admitted in the neonatal unit, of the hospital. The enrolled neonates were divided into study group [further divided into subgroups according to their gestational age (GA) Group-IA (30-32 weeks of GA &IB (34-36 weeks of GA), 50 neonates in each group] and control group (Group-II also including 50 neonates). Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, sodium, and potassium were measured in all the three groups. Serum calcium and phosphorous levels were found to be significantly decreased withP<.001 and p<0.05 respectively, and serum ALP, creatinine, and potassium were found to be significantly increased (P<0.05) in Group-IA as compared Group-II. Serum sodium levels did not show any significant difference. There was no significant difference in calcium and phosphorous levels although they were decreased, whereas serum ALP and creatinine levels were found to be significantly(P<0.05) increased in Group-IA as compared to Group-IB. High serum ALP and creatinine levels and low serum calcium and phosphorus levels were seen inpreterm babies. Group-IB did not show any significant difference when compared to Group-II (control group). It can be concluded that high serum ALP activity and low serum calcium and phosphorus levels are associated with preterm babies. A significant difference in the mean values of the renal function parameters was also obtained, except for serum sodium and potassium levels.