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Diminished growth and lower adiposity in hyperglycemic very low birth weight neonates at 4 months corrected age

J M Scheurer1, H L Gray1, E W Demerath2

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|November 6, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal hyperglycemia in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is linked to reduced growth and body fat at 4 months corrected age. These effects persist even after accounting for nutrition and illness, suggesting potential long-term impacts.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Growth and Development

Background:

  • Neonatal hyperglycemia is a common complication in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants.
  • The long-term effects of neonatal hyperglycemia on growth and body composition in this vulnerable population remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between neonatal hyperglycemia and anthropometric measurements and body composition at 4 months corrected age (CA) in VLBW infants.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 53 VLBW infants.
  • Recorded blood glucose, nutritional intake, and illness markers in the first 14 days.
  • Measured anthropometrics and body composition (air displacement plethysmography) at term CA and 4 months CA.
  • Used multivariate linear regression to analyze relationships.

Main Results:

  • Infants with >5 days of hyperglycemia were significantly lighter, shorter, had smaller head circumference, and were leaner at 4 months CA.
  • These findings remained significant after adjusting for nutritional intake and illness severity.
  • Percent body fat was notably lower in the hyperglycemia group (15.0% vs 23.8%).

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal hyperglycemia in VLBW infants is independently associated with reduced body size and adiposity at 4 months CA.
  • Potential mechanisms include downregulation of the growth hormone axis.
  • These early changes may have implications for long-term growth and neurodevelopment.
Abstract

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