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
