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Fetal growth and childhood cholesterol levels in the United States

Cynthia L Ogden1, Kenneth C Schoendorf, John L Kiely

  • 1National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville, MD 20782, USA. cogden@cdc.gov

Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology
|January 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Infants born small-for-gestational age (SGA) may have a higher risk of elevated cholesterol in early childhood. This study found a potential association, though not statistically significant, between reduced fetal growth and cholesterol levels.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Fetal development significantly influences long-term health outcomes.
  • Small-for-gestational age (SGA) birth is a marker of altered fetal growth.
  • Early childhood cholesterol levels are critical indicators of future cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between being born small-for-gestational age (SGA) and the risk of high cholesterol in early childhood.
  • To determine if reduced fetal growth predicts elevated serum total cholesterol levels in children aged 4-6 years.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 1727 children (ages 4-6) from the third US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
  • Utilized birth certificate data and blood cholesterol measurements.
  • Employed logistic regression to assess odds of high cholesterol in SGA vs. non-SGA children, controlling for covariates.

Main Results:

  • Approximately 11% of children were born SGA.
  • SGA children showed a non-significant trend towards higher odds of elevated cholesterol (OR 1.97).
  • Gestation-adjusted birthweight showed a non-significant inverse relationship with cholesterol levels.

Conclusions:

  • A potential association exists between reduced fetal growth (SGA) and increased cholesterol in early childhood.
  • Further research is needed to confirm the statistical significance and clinical implications of this finding.
  • Early life growth patterns may impact lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk later in life.

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