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Related Experiment Videos

Birth weight and altitude: a study in Peruvian communities.

J P Mortola1, P B Frappell, L Aguero

  • 1Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|March 4, 2000
PubMed
Summary

High altitude significantly impacts birth weight, with a notable decrease observed above 2000 meters. This decline in infant weight is directly related to altitude and barometric pressure, not socioeconomic status.

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Area of Science:

  • Altitude research
  • Human physiology
  • Perinatal health

Background:

  • High altitude environments present unique physiological challenges.
  • Understanding factors affecting birth weight is crucial for infant health.
  • Previous studies suggest altitude may influence fetal growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that birth weight decreases at high altitude.
  • To identify the critical altitude and barometric pressure threshold for this effect.
  • To determine the relationship between altitude and birth weight decline.

Main Methods:

  • Collected birth weight data from 15 centers in Peru (sea level to 4575 m).
  • Analyzed data covering a 1-year period (November 1997 to October 1998).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Correlated birth weight with altitude and barometric pressure (Pb).

    • Main Results:

    • Birth weight declined significantly above approximately 2000 m altitude (Pb < 590 mm Hg).
    • A decrease of 65 g per 500 m increase in altitude was observed.
    • This pattern was consistent across sexes and socioeconomic groups.

    Conclusions:

    • A critical barometric pressure threshold (approx. 590 mm Hg) triggers reduced birth weight.
    • The reduction in birth weight is proportional to altitude between 2000 m and 4500 m.
    • Socioeconomic factors do not influence the altitude-related drop in birth weight.