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Prenatal growth and metabolic syndrome components among Chilean children

F Mardones1, L Villarroel1, P Arnaiz2

  • 11 Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.

Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
|August 8, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal growth impacts childhood metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance (IR). Non-optimal fetal development, including birth weight and length, is linked to higher risks of these conditions in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Metabolic Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The link between prenatal growth and metabolic syndrome (MS) components, including insulin resistance (IR), is understudied in developing nations.
  • Existing data from developed countries show controversial associations between prenatal factors and childhood metabolic health.
  • Understanding these early life origins is crucial for preventing non-communicable diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prenatal growth parameters (birth weight, length, gestational age) and MS components/IR in Chilean children.
  • To explore potential early life origins of metabolic dysfunction in a developing country context.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study involving 2152 children (average age 11.4 years).
  • Data linkage of current metabolic health markers (anthropometry, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, insulin) with historical birth records.
  • Calculation of Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).

Main Results:

  • Prevalence rates: MS 7.6%, IR 24.5%, overweight 34%.
  • Elevated blood pressure showed a negative association with perinatal risk categories.
  • U-shaped associations observed between waist circumference/elevated blood pressure and birth weight/length categories.
  • Inverse associations found between waist circumference and gestational age, blood pressure and gestational age, and HOMA-IR and birth length.

Conclusions:

  • Non-optimal prenatal growth appears to be a risk factor for increased waist circumference, elevated blood pressure, and insulin resistance in school-aged children.
  • These findings support the hypothesis of early life origins for metabolic non-communicable diseases.
  • Observed associations were weak, potentially due to U-shaped relationships and may strengthen with longer follow-up.

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