Catch-up growth, metabolic, and cardiovascular risk in post-institutionalized Romanian adolescents

Area of Science:

• Childhood development
• Metabolic health
• Growth trajectories

Background:

• Prenatal growth restriction followed by rapid postnatal weight gain increases risks for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
• Institutionalized children exhibit similar growth patterns, facing catch-up growth post-removal.
• This study investigates the impact of catch-up growth patterns on metabolic and cardiovascular health in adolescents with a history of institutionalization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between different body mass index (BMI) trajectories and metabolic/cardiovascular outcomes in previously institutionalized adolescents.
• To identify specific growth patterns associated with adverse health markers.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study followed institutionalized infants randomized to foster care or usual care, alongside never-institutionalized controls.
• Body mass index (BMI) was tracked from 20 months to 16 years of age.
• Metabolic and pro-inflammatory markers were assessed at age 16.

Main Results:

• Four BMI trajectories were identified: average-stable, low-stable, elevated, and accelerated.
• The accelerated BMI trajectory, predominantly seen in children placed in foster care, was associated with higher glycosylated hemoglobin and C-reactive protein levels.
• Earlier placement in foster care correlated with a higher likelihood of following the accelerated BMI trajectory.

Conclusions:

• Rapid or continuous increases in body size (accelerated growth) in post-institutionalized children, despite being a form of catch-up growth, present health concerns.
• Close monitoring of weight gain, dietary habits, and physical activity is recommended for these children.