Does metabolomic profile differ with regard to birth weight?

Area of Science:

• Metabolomics
• Neonatal Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Macrosomia and childhood obesity are increasing global health concerns.
• Birth weight is a critical factor in neonatal development and health outcomes.
• Newborn screening programs are essential for early detection of metabolic disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of extremely high or low birth weight on metabolic markers.
• To compare the metabolomic profiles of neonates with low birth weight and extreme macrosomia to those with appropriate birth weight.
• To understand how birth weight extremes influence the interpretation of newborn screening results.

Main Methods:

• Register-based study including full-term singletons born in Iceland (2009-2012).
• Newborn screening samples analyzed 72-96 hours post-birth.
• Comparison of three groups: low birth weight (<2500g), appropriate-for-gestational age, and extreme macrosomia (≥5000g), adjusted for confounders.

Main Results:

• Both low birth weight and extreme macrosomia were linked to elevated glutamic acid levels compared to appropriate birth weight infants.
• Specific amino acids (alanine, threonine) and acylcarnitines showed distinct patterns in low birth weight neonates.
• Hydroxybutyrylcarnitine and acetylcarnitine levels differed significantly in both low birth weight and extremely macrosomic neonates.

Conclusions:

• Neonates with low birth weight and extreme macrosomia exhibit unique metabolomic profiles.
• These metabolic differences are independent of gestational age.
• The study provides crucial insights into interpreting newborn screening results for infants at birth weight extremes.