Early markers of endocrinometabolic disease in newborns with delayed intrauterine growth

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I S Alonso-Larruscain1, J L Ruibal Francisco2, J J Granizo Martínez2

  • 1Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Leganés, Spain.

Clinical Nutrition ESPEN
|November 4, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Catch-up growth in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is linked to early metabolic changes. This study found higher triglyceride levels in IUGR infants with catch-up growth, suggesting a potential marker for future metabolic risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Metabolic Health
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can lead to long-term health issues like obesity and diabetes.
  • The role of catch-up growth in the development of these adult diseases is not fully understood.
  • Catch-up growth is hypothesized to be a significant factor in the metabolic and cardiovascular complications observed in later life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the early metabolic and biochemical changes in newborns with IUGR.
  • To compare metabolic parameters between IUGR infants who exhibit catch-up growth and those who do not.
  • To identify potential early markers for metabolic risk in infants with IUGR.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study of newborns with IUGR (birth weight < 10th percentile).
  • Clinical data and anthropometry were collected every 3 months for one year.
  • Serum biochemical parameters, including glucose and triglycerides, were measured at birth, 9 months, and 12 months.
  • Infants were categorized into catch-up growth and no catch-up growth groups based on weight Z-score changes.

Main Results:

  • A total of 126 IUGR infants were identified, with 67 completing one year of follow-up (47 with catch-up growth, 20 without).
  • Infants with catch-up growth showed significantly lower cord blood glucose levels (p=0.03).
  • At 12 months, infants with catch-up growth had significantly higher triglyceride levels (p=0.03) compared to those without catch-up growth.

Conclusions:

  • Catch-up growth in the first year of life is associated with altered triglyceride levels at 12 months in IUGR infants.
  • Higher triglyceride levels in IUGR infants with catch-up growth may serve as an early indicator of increased metabolic risk.
  • These findings could aid in developing tools for early detection and prevention of future pathologies in at-risk IUGR children.
Abstract

Keywords:
Fetal growth retardationGrowthMetabolic syndrome

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