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Am J Perinatol 2004; 21(1): 35-40
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-820508
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA

Cord Blood Lipids Concentrations and Their Relation to Body Size at Birth: Possible Link between Intrauterine Life and Adult Diseases

Ella Ophir1 , Moshe Oettinger1 , Jakov Nisimov1 , Yael Hirsch1 , Vladimir Fait1 , Grigory Dourleshter1 , Oleg Shnaider1 , Tamara Snitkovsky1 , Jakov Bornstein1
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Western Galilee Hospital, Nahariya, Israel
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Publication History

Publication Date:
11 March 2004 (online)

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Umbilical plasma levels of lipoproteins-cholesterol were measured in 480 normal newborns delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery at 39 to 40 weeks of gestation. Plasma concentrations of lipids were related to fetal weight, abdominal and head circumference, and ponderal index at birth. Plasma concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) correlated negatively with abdominal circumference (AC), birth weight, and head circumference of newborns (p < 0.021, p < 0.023, p < 0.044, respectively). The baby with the smallest AC had the highest plasma concentration of LDL-C (p < 0.015). In the 165 neonates with ponderal index < 10th percentile, LDL-C was substantially elevated (p < 0.018). These findings suggest that disproportionate size at birth is associated with altered lipid metabolism. These abnormalities, if they persist, might lead to metabolic diseases in adulthood.

KEYWORDS

Cord lipids - body size - adult diseases

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Ella OphirM.D. 

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Western Galilee Hospital

P.O. Box 21, Nahariya 22100, Israel

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