Lipoprotein Heterogeneity at Birth is Linked to Gestational Age, Gender, and Birth Weight

While lipid profiles are extensively studied in adults as cardiovascular markers, there is a lack of similar research focusing on pediatric populations, especially regarding umbilical cord blood. The goal of a study was to address the impact of intra-uterine metabolic issues on adult health, particularly atherosclerotic disease. The study aimed to enhance understanding regarding cord-blood lipid profiles in newborns and their associations with factors such as gestational age, gender, and birth weight.

This cross-sectional hospital-based study involved 105 neonates born in a rural tertiary-care teaching hospital in central India in 2015. The study assessed umbilical cord-blood samples from these newborns, conducting biochemical analysis and statistical examination of various lipid profile parameters, including apolipoproteins.

The findings indicated that small-for-gestational-age neonates exhibited significantly higher lipid levels. Females showed slightly higher readings than males, although these differences were not statistically significant. However, the Atherogenic Index did not differ substantially between small and appropriate-for-gestational-age neonates.

A cord-blood lipid screening is a valuable tool for identifying and treating high-risk neonates, particularly those who are small-for-gestational-age, to prevent future coronary artery disease in adulthood. It provides an opportunity to address the associated risk factors, thus reducing the mortality risk posed by cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease. Nevertheless, further large-scale studies with long-term follow-ups are needed to validate these findings.

Source: Jategaonkar SP, Gawde K, Jain M. Journal of the Pediatrics Association of India. 2019 Oct 1;8(4):158.