Neonatal bone health is a problem of growing interest and concern because of the increasing recognition of its impact upon childhood, adolescence and even adulthood. Osteoporosis in adulthood often has its roots in childhood. Some forms may be prevented by proper attention to neonatal and childhood bone health. A premature infant likely suffers lifelong decreased bone mineral density as a result of its early birth and the lack of adequate mineral stores that are typically present in full-term infants (Done, 2012). Caffeine is now one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the NICU to treat apnea of prematurity. Later studies in preterm infants confirmed the diuretic effect of caffeine, and revealed a significant increase in creatinine clearance and urinary calcium excretion. The effect …show more content…
Its structural function is critical for locomotion, respiration, and protection of internal organs. While metabolic function acts largely as a storehouse for calcium, phosphorus, and carbonate, it can contribute to buffering changes in hydrogen ion concentration.
There are two major types of bone: the cortical bone and the trabecular (cancellous bone). The cortical bone composes 80 percent of the skeletal weight. Although its major function is to provide mechanical strength and protection, but it can also participate in metabolic responses, particularly when there is severe or prolonged mineral deficiency. The other category is the Trabecular bone. It is found inside long bones, particularly at the ends, throughout the bodies of the vertebrae, and in the inner portions of the pelvis and other large flat bones. Trabecular bone is an important contributor to mechanical support, particularly in the vertebrae. It is also more metabolically active than cortical bone and provides the initial supplies of mineral in acute deficiency states (Robey,