Relationship between Foetal Growth Restriction and Maternal Nutrition Status Measured by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, Leptin, and Insulin-Like Growth Factor

The aim of this study was to determine if maternal nutritional status, as defined by body composition, leptin, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels, relates to foetal growth.

In this prospective study, mothers of foetuses with foetal growth restriction (FGR; cases; n = 46) and mothers of appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) foetuses (controls; n = 81) were consecutively recruited over a 14- month period. A maternal blood sample was obtained during the third trimester (between 32 and 34 weeks of gestation) for the assessment of IGF-I and leptin. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry within the first 15 days after delivery. The study used the SPSS-PC statistical package, version 19.0, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Mean serum IGF-I levels were lower in the cases than in the controls (p < 0.05), whereas leptin concentrations were higher in the cases after adjusting for age, body mass index and cigarette consumption (p < 0.05). Cases had less lean and fat tissue than controls (p < 0.05) but a relatively higher fat percentage.

The mothers of foetuses with FGR have a body composition pattern characterized by a slightly increased fraction of fat mass, lower IGF-I concentrations, and increased serum leptin levels. Optimization of maternal nutritional status should be considered, as the nutritional status may be involved in the pathogenesis of FGR.