What is neonatal metabolic bone disease?
Neonatal metabolic bone disease, osteopenia of prematurity, neonatal rickets or rickets of prematurity, are terms used to describe a reduction in bone mineral content which may occur 4 – 6 weeks after preterm birth.
How is osteopenia of prematurity diagnosed?
The most common tests used to diagnose and monitor osteopenia of prematurity include:
- Blood tests to check levels of calcium, phosphorus, and a protein called alkaline phosphatase.
- Ultrasound.
- X-rays.
What causes osteopenia of prematurity?
Osteopenia of prematurity is principally a result of inadequate calcium intake to meet bone growth demands. Rickets, however, is principally due to vitamin D deficiency, but vitamin D supplementation alone will not resolve either osteopenia or rickets.
How is metabolic bone disease treated?
A balanced diet with adequate amounts of vitamin D and calcium and an adequate amount of physical activity are needed for normal bone metabolism. Your doctor may prescribe osteoporosis medications to help slow the rate of bone loss, and in some cases, to replace the lost bone structure.
Is metabolic bone disease curable?
Treatment and Prognosis Fortunately, if detected early enough, MBD can often be corrected and reversed through making changes and improvements to the husbandry of the animal by providing the needed or adequate levels of UV-A and UV-B lighting and heating, proper supplementation, and other nutrients.
How do you prevent MBD in reptiles?
How to Prevent Metabolic Bone Disease
- A diet balanced in calcium and phosphorus, protein, energy, and other reptile-specific nutrients.
- Exposure to UVA/UVB invisible light rays.
- Proper heat gradients.
- Proper light/dark cycles.
- Adequate enclosure and/or room to exercise.
Can lungs develop after birth?
Stage five of lung development starts at 32 weeks and continues after birth into childhood. In the last few weeks of pregnancy, the first air sacs (alveoli) develop. More surfactants (fats and proteins) are produced as the lungs carry on developing. The lungs develop and grow to enable oxygen to get into the blood.