Markers of bone metabolism, serum leptin levels and bone mineral density in preterm babies

Abstract

The prospective study assessed the influence of serum leptin levels on markers of bone metabolism and bone mineral density in 2-year-old infants born preterm. A total of 57 randomized preterm Caucasian newborns (32nd-37th week of gestation) were included in the study. Bone metabolism markers were measured every 6 months. The infants were monitored prospectively up to the age of 2 years. When the infants turned 2 years of age, they were investigated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (lumbar spine). The median cord blood leptin levels was 3.07 μg/L. The median leptin level during check-ups before 2 years of age was 9.96 μg/L. The other laboratory markers were within the normal ranges for that age. The bone mineral density reached, on average, 0.410 g/cm2. Lower leptin levels in the cord blood and in the serum of preterm infants do not influence bone mineral density during the first 2 years of life.