Association of birth weight with metabolic markers of cardiovascular risk later in life

Introduction: Research indicates a relationship between in utero growth retardation (IUGR) and the development of many disorders later in life. The Barker hypothesis of fetal origins of adult disease suggests that IUGR, measured by birth weight (BW), may play an important role in the future physiology of many organs and body systems.

Objectives: To examine the longitudinal association of BW with several metabolic biomarkers up to mid-adulthood.

Methods: Data were obtained from the Bogalusa Heart study. Participants were 2262 school aged students followed from 1971 to 2001. The study used a longitudinal repeated measures design. Birth weight data were obtained from birth records. The association of BW with: serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was examined. Linear mixed model analysis was used to assess the longitudinal association of BW with change of the outcomes over time. A separate model was constructed for each outcome and adjustment for many behavioral and socio-economic confounders was performed. Log transformation was made for outcomes with non-normal distribution.

Results: Participants were 63.4% White and 36.6% African American. Mean age (at last measurement) 31.7 ± 5.2. Birth weight was inversely associated with total cholesterol (β = -2.45, p = .013), log HOMA-IR (β = -.061, p <.001) and log triglycerides (β = -.036, p = .003). There was no association of BW with HDL (p = .20) or LDL (p = .66).

Conclusion: In this population, persons with lower BW tend to have more adverse metabolic profile at mid-adulthood.