Cord leptin level and fetal macrosomia

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neonatal Research
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• Large for gestational age (LGA) infants are at increased risk for adverse neonatal outcomes.
• Maternal and fetal factors influence fetal growth and development.
• Leptin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and insulin are key metabolic hormones involved in growth regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between serum leptin, IGF-I, and insulin levels and the development of fetal macrosomia.
• To identify independent risk factors for macrosomia in LGA neonates.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples were collected from 52 term LGA neonates and their mothers.
• Maternal and umbilical cord serum levels of leptin, IGF-I, and insulin were measured using radioimmunoassays.
• Multiple regression analysis was employed to determine independent risk factors for fetal macrosomia.

Main Results:

• Umbilical cord leptin concentration was identified as a significant independent risk factor for fetal macrosomia (P <.01).
• A positive correlation was observed between umbilical cord leptin levels and birth weight (r = 0.51, P <.01).
• Significant correlations were also found between umbilical cord IGF-I levels and birth weight (r = 0.37, P <.01).
• No significant correlation was found between umbilical cord insulin levels or maternal BMI and birth weight.

Conclusions:

• Umbilical cord leptin concentration is a key independent predictor of fetal macrosomia.
• Leptin plays a crucial role in fetal growth regulation, particularly in the development of macrosomia.