Characterisation of parathyroid hormone concentration in extremely preterm or very low birthweight infants in routine clinical screening for metabolic bone disease: A service evaluation cohort study.

Universal screening highlights the high frequency of high PTH in this high-risk population, implying a need for calcium supplementation. A considerable number of infants would not be identified as showing potential signs of metabolic bone disease if the assessment excludes the use of PTH. The high level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency may be a confounder.