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Intrauterine growth retardation, body size, body composition and physical performance in adolescence
R Martorell1, U Ramakrishnan, D G Schroeder
1Department of International Health, Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
Insights
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) leads to reduced childhood growth and lasting deficits in adolescent and adult body size and strength. These effects persist into adulthood, impacting overall physical development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Biology
- Human Growth
Background:
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a significant concern affecting fetal development.
- Long-term consequences of IUGR on growth and physical development require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of IUGR on childhood growth.
- To analyze the impact of IUGR on adolescent and adult body size, composition, and physical performance.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 12 studies differentiating IUGR from other low birthweight categories.
- Inclusion of a follow-up study on Guatemalan adolescents and young adults with IUGR.
Main Results:
- IUGR newborns exhibit partial catch-up growth in early childhood, followed by maintenance of growth trajectory.
- Adolescent and adult IUGR cases are shorter, lighter, and weaker than non-IUGR controls.
- Observed adult body size differences in Guatemala mirror those in more affluent nations.
Conclusions:
- IUGR has persistent effects on physical growth and performance extending into adulthood.
- Early life growth restriction significantly influences long-term body size and strength.
- Findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and support for individuals with IUGR.
Abstract:
Studies about effects of IUGR on growth in childhood as well as on body size, body composition and physical performance in adolescence and adulthood are reviewed. The review is based on 12 studies that distinguished IUGR from other types of low birthweight and compared outcomes of IUGR cases with those of non-IUGR controls. This information is complemented by results of a follow-up study of IUGR cases and controls carried out in Guatemalan adolescents and young adults. In Guatemala as well as in other countries, IUGR newborns showed partial catch-up growth during the first one or two years of life, and then maintained their achieved place in the growth distribution. Guatemalan IUGR cases were shorter, lighter and weaker than non-IUGR controls as adolescents and young adults. The differences in adult body size observed in Guatemala between cases and controls are similar to those found in more affluent countries (i.e. about 5 cm in height and 5 kg in weight).