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Cardiometabolic Health in Adults Born Premature With Extremely Low Birth Weight

Katherine M Morrison1, Laura Ramsingh2, Elizabeth Gunn2

  • 1Departments of Pediatrics, kmorrison@mcmaster.ca.

Pediatrics
|September 4, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Adults born extremely premature (ELBW) have higher body fat and lower lean mass by age 30. They face a four-fold increased risk of dysglycemia, highlighting long-term metabolic health concerns.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Metabolic Health
  • Longitudinal Studies

Background:

  • Individuals born with extreme prematurity (extremely low birth weight, ELBW) exhibit elevated blood pressure and insulin resistance.
  • This study investigates the long-term metabolic health outcomes of ELBW survivors into their fourth decade of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare body composition, glycemia, lipid profiles, and blood pressure in adults born ELBW versus normal birth weight (NBW) controls.
  • To identify previous and current exposures that may influence metabolic health in ELBW adults.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of a cohort of ELBW (<1 kg) and NBW individuals born between 1977-1982.
  • Primary outcome: dysglycemia (type 2 diabetes or prediabetes) assessed via oral glucose tolerance test.
  • Secondary outcomes: body composition, insulin resistance, lipid profile, and blood pressure; predictive factors included birth weight and antenatal exposures.

Main Results:

  • ELBW adults (mean age 31.8 years) had higher body fat (P=.004) and lower lean mass for height (P=.018) compared to NBW controls.
  • ELBW adults demonstrated a 4.0-fold increased risk of dysglycemia (95% CI, 1.53-10.66).
  • Higher systolic (P=.004) and diastolic (P=.02) blood pressures were observed in ELBW adults; lipid profiles were similar.

Conclusions:

  • By their fourth decade, adults born extremely premature exhibit altered body composition, including increased body fat and reduced lean mass.
  • These individuals face a significantly elevated risk of developing dysglycemia, underscoring the need for long-term metabolic monitoring.
Abstract

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