Long-term metabolic risk among children born premature or small for gestational age

Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2017 Jan;13(1):50-62. doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2016.127. Epub 2016 Aug 19.

Abstract

Accumulating evidence suggests that both the intrauterine environment and growth during early life can influence the development of chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, in adulthood. Here, we review the available human data supporting increased metabolic risk among children born premature or small for gestational age; the adrenal and pubertal modifications that contribute to this risk; metabolic changes that occur during adolescence and early adulthood; and approaches to potentially modify or decrease risk of metabolic disease. The risks associated with delivery at term or preterm are compared for each period of life. Knowledge of these associations is fundamental for the paediatric community to develop preventive strategies early during postnatal life.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Gestational Age*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature / metabolism*
  • Metabolic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Metabolic Diseases / epidemiology
  • Metabolic Diseases / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • Premature Birth / diagnosis
  • Premature Birth / epidemiology
  • Premature Birth / metabolism*
  • Risk Factors