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Very low birth weight survivors have reduced peak bone mass and reduced insulin sensitivity

C M Smith1, N P Wright, J K H Wales

  • 1Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Barnsley, UK.

Clinical Endocrinology
|June 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Young adult survivors of very low birth weight (VLBW) exhibit reduced bone density and impaired insulin sensitivity. These findings suggest increased risks for fractures and diabetes later in life.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care and long-term health outcomes
  • Metabolic and skeletal health in VLBW survivors

Background:

  • Neonatal intensive care advancements increase survival rates for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
  • Early-life adverse events can lead to long-term metabolic reprogramming.
  • Understanding the long-term health implications for VLBW survivors is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate skeletal development abnormalities in young adult VLBW survivors.
  • To assess endocrine function in young adult VLBW survivors.
  • To determine if VLBW is associated with long-term bone and metabolic health issues.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study comparing 37 VLBW survivors with 27 healthy controls at a mean age of 23.
  • Bone mass, geometry, and turnover were assessed using DXA, hip structure analysis, and pQCT.
  • Hormone levels and insulin sensitivity were evaluated through various biochemical assays and glucose tolerance testing.

Main Results:

  • VLBW subjects showed significantly lower bone density at the lumbar spine and femoral neck compared to controls.
  • Reduced insulin sensitivity was observed in VLBW survivors, despite no differences in body fat mass.
  • Elevated urine NTX levels in VLBW subjects indicated altered bone turnover.

Conclusions:

  • Young adult VLBW survivors present with diminished bone density relative to bone size.
  • Impaired insulin sensitivity is a significant finding in VLBW survivors.
  • These long-term health disparities may increase fracture and diabetes risk in later life.
Abstract

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