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Updated: Apr 14, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Birth weight, current anthropometric markers, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein in Brazilian school children
Camile Boscaini1, Lucia Campos Pellanda2
1Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences-Cardiology, Instituto de Cardiologia/Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Insights
High birth weight in children is linked to elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and increased body mass, posing atherosclerosis risks. This association persists regardless of current nutritional status.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Studies indicate a correlation between birth weight and elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels.
- Childhood hs-CRP is a marker for inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
- Understanding early life factors influencing inflammation is crucial for long-term health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between birth weight, childhood anthropometric and metabolic parameters, and hs-CRP.
- To determine if being large for gestational age impacts hs-CRP and cardiovascular risk factors in children.
Main Methods:
- Particle-enhanced immunonephelometry was used to measure hs-CRP in 612 Brazilian school children (ages 5-13).
- Nutritional status was assessed via body mass index, waist circumference, and skinfolds.
- Metabolic parameters included total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin sensitivity (HOMA).
Main Results:
- Higher birth weight correlated directly with increased body mass index, waist circumference, and skinfolds.
- Children classified as large for gestational age exhibited significantly higher hs-CRP levels compared to those small for gestational age.
- High birth weight was associated with elevated hs-CRP, adiposity markers, and increased atherosclerosis risk factors.
Conclusions:
- High birth weight is an independent risk factor for elevated hs-CRP and adiposity in childhood.
- Being large for gestational age is linked to higher hs-CRP and contributes to atherosclerosis risk, irrespective of current nutritional status.
- Early life factors like birth weight significantly influence long-term inflammatory markers and cardiovascular health in children.
Abstract:
Studies have shown associations of birth weight with increased concentrations of high sensitivity C-reactive protein. This study assessed the relationship between birth weight, anthropometric and metabolic parameters during childhood, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein. A total of 612 Brazilian school children aged 5-13 years were included in the study. High sensitivity C-reactive protein was measured by particle-enhanced immunonephelometry. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index, waist circumference, and skinfolds. Total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, and glucose were measured by enzymatic methods. Insulin sensitivity was determined by the homeostasis model assessment method. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, General Linear Model, and General Linear Model for Gamma Distribution. Body mass index, waist circumference, and skinfolds were directly associated with birth weight (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.015, resp.). Large for gestational age children showed higher high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (P < 0.001) than small for gestational age. High birth weight is associated with higher levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein, body mass index, waist circumference, and skinfolds. Large for gestational age altered high sensitivity C-reactive protein and promoted additional risk factor for atherosclerosis in these school children, independent of current nutritional status.
