Bone speed of sound curves of twin and singleton neonates.

AIM

To evaluate associations between prenatal risk factors, neonatal characteristics and bone development.

METHODS

Tibial speed of sound (SOS) of 317 neonates whose gestational ages ranged between 25 and 41 weeks and birth weight between 580 and 4,350 g was measured using quantitative ultrasound.

RESULTS

Bone SOS values correlated significantly with gestational age and birth weight. Small for gestational age (SGA) infants had higher bone SOS values than appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants. Infants born to multiple pregnancies had lower SOS values than singleton infants so two separate bone SOS curves were made: for singleton infants born AGA (n = 152), and for infants of multiple pregnancies born AGA (n = 104). Infants of preeclamptic mothers had significantly higher SOS values than the infants of mothers without preeclampsia.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study reporting bone SOS values of Turkish neonates. Prenatal risk factors, such as preeclampsia, multiple pregnancy, and being SGA, affect the bone development of the fetus.