A Cross-Sectional Study on Corrected-Term Screening for Osteopenia/Metabolic Bone Disease of Prematurity in Preterm and Low-Birth-Weight Neonates: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Feeding-Related Predictors

Background: Osteopenia/metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBDP) is an important morbidity among preterm and very-low-birth-weight neonates due to reduced third-trimester mineral accretion and postnatal nutritional challenges. Aim: This study aimed to find the prevalence of osteopenia/MBDP in preterm neonates born before 34 weeks of gestation and/or with birth weight <1500 g. Methods: This cross-sectional observational research was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Warangal, India, from September 2022 to April 2024. A total of 110 eligible preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were included. Demographic variables, neonatal risk factors, respiratory support, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) exposure, caffeine use, feeding details, biochemical parameters, and radiological findings were recorded. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results: Osteopenia/MBDP was diagnosed in 22 neonates, giving a prevalence of 20%. Lower birth weight, lower gestational age, small for gestational age (SGA) status, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) >5 days, mechanical ventilation >5 days, TPN >1 week, caffeine citrate >20 days, and delayed enteral feeding were associated with disease. Conclusion: Osteopenia/MBDP is common among preterm neonates and is strongly associated with delayed feeding and neonatal illness severity.