Aluminum in the premature infant

In order to assess the biological significance of aluminum (Al) plasma levels in the premature infant (PT), they have been compared to lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD), serum Ca, P, alkaline phosphatase activity and 25 OH vitamin D in healthy PT following their hospital discharge. Twenty-six complete measurements have been made in infants of gestational age at birth (mean +/- SD) 32 +/- 2 weeks, aged 53 +/- 45 weeks. Simple regression showed a significant correlation between BMD and gestational age at birth, age, weight, height, and Al. Multiple regressions displayed only a significant correlation between BMD and age, height and Al. In the healthy growing, formula-fed PT the variations in growth and Al appear to be of greater importance than usual parameters of Ca metabolism in determining BMD variations. PT seem to be susceptible to Al side-effects even at low levels.