Spontanfrakturen im Säuglingsalter durch Kupfermangel

A preterm infant of 25 weeks’ gestation developed at 4 months of age an “impressed” fracture of the right femur. In another preterm infant of 27 weeks’ gestation, multiple fractures of the radius and metacarpalia were observed at age 5 months. Also a full term twin showed multiple rib fractures. Additional radiological findings were: generalized skeletal osteopenia, cupping and fraying of the metaphyses of the long bones, and subperiosteal new bone formation. Further symptoms were repeated apnoic attacks, anemia, neutropenia, and low serum levels of both copper and coeruloplasmin. Alimentary copper deficiency was diagnosed and oral copper substitution (CuCl2 1,2–2,0 µmol/kg/d) initiated. Th…