DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i12.037

Pages: 2881-2884

Introduction: Every year, 15 million babies are born prematurely around the world of which more than 1 million die as a result of prematurity. Premature infants are considered to be at high risk for developing osteopenia due to their reduced bone mineral content. Mothers milk containing 25-35 mg/dl of calcium and 10-15 mg/dl of phosphorus simply does not contain enough minerals to support skeletal growth of growing premature infants. Supplement of calcium and phosphorus along with breast milk can reduce the rate of osteopenia and improve the growth of premature infants. Objective of the study: To determine the efficacy of calcium and phosphorus supplementation for prevention of metabolic bone disease and improvement of growth in preterm infants. Methodology: A randomized clinical trial study was conducted at the Department of Neonatology, BSMMU, from 16th August 2016 to 27th August 2017. It involved monitoring 50 premature neonates over a period of six weeks. The babies who were fed with breast milk were randomly divided into two equal groups. One group received supplement of calcium and phosphorus along with breast milk while other group did not receive any supplement. Serum calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels as well as growth parameters (including weight, length, and head circumference) were measured at enrollment and at 6 weeks post birth. At the end of 6 weeks, wrist X-ray was done for evaluation of osteopenia. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Radiological and biochemical evidence of metabolic bone disease were found in 6 (28%) supplemented group and 7 (35%) non supplemented group (p=0.45). S. calcium, S. inorganic phosphate and S. alkaline phosphatase level were comparable at enrollment between two groups. At 6 weeks S. calcium, S. inorganic phosphate level were more (9.5±0.4 mg/dl Vs 9.4 ± 0.5, and 357±253 U/L Vs 4.4 ± 1.2 respectively) and S. alkaline phosphatase level were less (4.8±1.1mg/dl Vs 4.4±1.2mg/dl) in supplemented