Skeletal changes associated with copper deficiency.

Copper deficiency has been described in premature infants on hyperalimentation. The bony abnormalities are generalized and are usually associated with anemia and neutropenia. These changes present with normal serum levels of iron, ascorbic acid, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, as well as with depressed levels of copper and ceruloplasmin. They appear at about three to nine months of age in infants with a low birth weight who are receiving total parenteral nutrition, but can be prevented by greater than normal maintenance levels of copper supplements. Established bone changes improve rapidly after the administration of therapeutic supplements.