Birthweight and social deprivation: influences on serum lipids and fibrinogen

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R Morley1, Harland PSEG, C M Law

  • 1Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, Hobart, Tasmania. morleyr@cryptic.rch.unimelb.edu.au

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|July 29, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Lower birthweight in children is linked to higher triglyceride levels, potentially increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Social deprivation also impacts health, highlighting the importance of lifelong health influences.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Health

Background:

  • Epidemiological studies link low birthweight to increased cardiovascular disease risk in adults.
  • Low birthweight is also associated with unfavorable serum lipid profiles.
  • In utero programming of cholesterol metabolism may influence birthweight-lipid associations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the association between birthweight and serum lipids and plasma fibrinogen in children.
  • Examine the influence of childhood social deprivation on these health measures.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 422 children aged 11-15 years in Middlesborough, UK.
  • Measured birthweight, serum lipids, plasma fibrinogen, and childhood social deprivation (Townsend deprivation index).

Main Results:

  • A significant inverse association was found between birthweight and serum triglyceride levels.
  • Each 1 kg fall in birthweight was associated with a 1.1 mmol/l rise in triglyceride levels, after adjustments.
  • Social deprivation correlated with higher fibrinogen levels, but not lipid levels.

Conclusions:

  • Lower birthweight may contribute to higher triglyceride levels, potentially explaining increased cardiovascular mortality.
  • Findings underscore the importance of considering life-course influences on adult disease risk.
  • Childhood social deprivation affects fibrinogen levels, independent of lipid profiles.
Abstract

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