Pune low birth weight study, growth from birth to adulthood

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Sudha Chaudhari1, Madhumati Otiv, Bharati Khairnar

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, KEM Hospital, Pune 411 011, Maharashtra, India. kemhrc@vsnl.net

Indian Pediatrics
|July 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Low birth weight (LBW) males born preterm and small for gestational age were shorter at 18 years. However, LBW children showed no increased risk of adiposity or hypertension compared to controls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Growth and Development
  • Neonatal Health Outcomes
  • Cardiovascular Health in Adolescence

Background:

  • Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with potential long-term health issues.
  • Understanding the growth trajectory and health status of LBW individuals into adulthood is crucial.
  • Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the long-term effects of LBW on adiposity and blood pressure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the growth, adiposity, and blood pressure at 18 years in children born with low birth weight.
  • To identify factors influencing height and weight in this cohort.
  • To assess the prevalence of adiposity and hypertension in young adults who experienced LBW.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study followed 161 low birth weight (LBW) infants born between 1987-1989.
  • Participants were categorized into preterm SGA, full term SGA, and preterm AGA groups, with full term AGA infants as controls.
  • Measurements included height, weight, head circumference, adiposity, and blood pressure at 18 years.

Main Results:

  • Preterm SGA males exhibited significantly shorter stature (mean deficit of 5.7 cm) compared to controls, despite normal mid-parental height.
  • Preterm SGA and AGA children had smaller head circumferences.
  • No evidence of increased adiposity or hypertension was found in the LBW cohort at 18 years.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm SGA males demonstrate reduced height at 18 years, but weight is comparable to controls.
  • Smaller head circumference is noted in preterm LBW infants.
  • LBW does not appear to predispose individuals to adiposity or hypertension by age 18.
Abstract

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