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This article has a correction

Please see: Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 1999;81:F79

Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 1999;80:F188-F191 doi:10.1136/fn.80.3.F188
  • Original article

Body composition of preterm infants during infancy

  1. D J Rawlingsb,
  2. R J Cookea,
  3. K McCormicka,
  4. I J Griffina,
  5. K Faulknerb,
  6. J C K Wellsc,
  7. J S Smitha,
  8. S J Robinsona
  1. aSpecial Care Baby Unit Royal Victoria Infirmary Newcastle upon Tyne, bRegional Medical Physics Department Freeman Hospital Newcastle upon Tyne, cNutrition Department Nutricia Ltd Trowbridge Wiltshire
  1. Dr R J Cooke Ward 35, Leaze’s Wing Royal Victoria Infirmary Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP Email: R.J.Cooke{at}ncl.ac.uk
  • Accepted 14 November 1998

Abstract

AIMS To examine body composition in preterm infants.

METHODS Body composition was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at hospital discharge, term, 12 weeks, and at 6 and 12 months corrected age in 125 infants (birthweight ≤ 1750 g, gestational age ≤ 34 weeks).

RESULTS Body weight derived by DEXA accurately predicted that determined by conventional scales. In both sexes lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), %FM, bone area (BA), bone mineral mass (BMM), and bone mineral density (BMD) increased rapidly during the study; significant changes were detectable between discharge and term. At 12 months, LM, BA, and BMM, but not FM, %FM, or BMD were greater in boys than in girls. Corrected for age, LM was less than those of the reference term infant; FM and %FM were similar; BMM was greater. Corrected for weight, LM was similar to those of the reference infant, while the FM and %FM of study infants were slightly greater.

CONCLUSIONS DEXA accurately measures body mass. Body composition in preterm boys and girls differs. Interpretation of DEXA values may depend on whether age or body weight are regarded as the appropriate reference.

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