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Published on: March 5, 2016
Lipid Profile in Children Born Small for Gestational Age
Justyna Zamojska1, Katarzyna Niewiadomska-Jarosik1, Beata Kierzkowska1
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Rheumatology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland.
Insights
Children born small for gestational age (SGA) exhibit an abnormal lipid profile in early childhood, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. This occurs even without overweight or obesity, highlighting the need for early monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Risk Factors
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Lipid disorders are significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
- Early identification of metabolic abnormalities in children is crucial for long-term health.
- Children born small for gestational age (SGA) may face unique health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the lipid profile in Polish children born small for gestational age (SGA) during early childhood.
- To compare lipid profiles between SGA children and a control group.
- To investigate potential differences in metabolic factors based on the type of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Main Methods:
- A study involving 140 children aged 5-11 years (93 SGA, 47 controls).
- Physical examinations and laboratory blood tests for glucose and lipid profiles were conducted.
- SGA children were categorized into symmetrical and asymmetrical intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) subgroups.
Main Results:
- SGA children had significantly higher total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels compared to controls.
- SGA children exhibited lower HDL cholesterol levels.
- While weight and BMI did not differ, SGA children showed higher fasting glucose concentrations, particularly those with symmetrical IUGR.
Conclusions:
- Children born SGA present with an abnormal lipid profile in early childhood, irrespective of their weight or BMI.
- This altered lipid profile in SGA children may predispose them to cardiovascular diseases later in life.
- Early childhood metabolic screening is essential for SGA populations to mitigate future health risks.
Background:
Lipid disorders are one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study was to estimate the lipid profile in early childhood in the population of Polish children born small for gestational age (SGA).
Materials And Methods:
The study included 140 patients (93 SGA children and 47 controls) aged 5 to 11 years. All the subjects underwent a physical examination and blood laboratory tests for the glucose and lipid profiles. The SGA group was divided into subgroups, i.e., symmetrical and asymmetrical intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Results:
Blood sample analysis revealed higher levels of total cholesterol (SGA group 190.61 ± 24.66 mg/dL vs. controls 143.23 ± 23.90; p < 0.001). The analysis of particular cholesterol fractions showed significantly higher mean values of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol as well as lower mean values of HDL cholesterol in SGA children. Children in both groups did not differ significantly in terms of weight or body mass index. A statistically significantly higher glucose concentration was observed in SGA patients with the symmetrical type of IUGR. Analyzing the differences regarding metabolic factors, we obtained a statistically significant difference only in fasting glucose concentration (asymmetrical IUGR = 90.56 ± 10.21 vs. symmetrical IUGR = 98.95 ± 14.79; p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Children born SGA, even those not suffering from overweight or obesity in their early childhood, have an abnormal lipid profile, which may contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.
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