OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation of gestational age (GA) with carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), and bone sound of speed (SOS) in appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) neonates, as well as the relationship between bone turnover markers and bone SOS.

METHODSSixty-five AGA neonates were included in the study. The neonates were divided into three groups: preterm infant (GA ≤3 4 weeks, 14 cases), late preterm infant (34 weeks

RESULTSThere were significant differences in GA (F=140.199, P<0.001), birth weight (F=47.042, P<0.001), birth length (F=46.877, P<0.001), and PI (F=11.898, P<0.001) between the three groups; the higher the GA, the higher the birth weigh, birth length, and PI. There were significant differences in PICP (F=30.384, P<0.001), DPD/Cr (F=21.761, P<0.001), and SOS (F=20.052, P<0.001) between the three groups; the higher the GA, the lower the PICP and DPD/Cr and the higher the bone SOS. PICP and DPD/Cr were negatively correlated with GA, birth weight and bone SOS (P<0.01), while bone SOS was positively correlated with GA and birth weight (P<0.01), which still held true after adjustment for GA and birth weight.

CONCLUSIONSAmong AGA neonates, bone turnover markers are negatively correlated with GA, birth weight and bone SOS. High bone turnover is bad for bone health in AGA neonates.