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Growth and somatic health until adulthood of low birthweight children

Morten Duus Odberg1, Kristian Sommerfelt, Trond Markestad

  • 1Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. morten.duus.odberg@helse-bergen.no

Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|May 7, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Low birthweight (LBW) children remain shorter and have higher blood pressure into adulthood compared to normal birthweight (NBW) children. However, LBW individuals show catch-up growth in body proportions and experience reduced pulmonary function.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Human Growth and Development

Background:

  • Low birthweight (LBW) is associated with potential long-term health consequences.
  • Understanding growth trajectories and somatic health in LBW individuals is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the growth and somatic health characteristics until adulthood of non-handicapped low birthweight (LBW) and normal birthweight (NBW) children.

Main Methods:

  • Population-based longitudinal follow-up study.
  • LBW (<2 kg) and NBW (>3 kg) children were assessed at 5, 11, and 19 years of age.
  • Follow-up at 19 years included 77% of LBW and 79% of NBW subjects.

Main Results:

  • LBW adults were shorter (5.9 cm) with higher systolic (4.5 mm Hg) and diastolic (2.0 mm Hg) blood pressures compared to NBW adults.
  • LBW young adults exhibited higher heart rates and lower pulmonary function (FEF50, FEV1/FVC).
  • While height differences were influenced by parental height, diastolic blood pressure increased more in LBW children, who achieved catch-up growth in body proportions.

Conclusions:

  • Height and systolic blood pressure differences between LBW and NBW individuals persist from childhood to young adulthood.
  • LBW young adults demonstrate catch-up growth in body proportions.
  • LBW young adults present with diminished pulmonary function.
Abstract

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