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Diminished growth and lower adiposity in hyperglycemic very low birth weight neonates at 4 months corrected age

Journal of Perinatology volume 36, pages 145–150 (2016)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective:

Characterize the relationship between neonatal hyperglycemia and growth and body composition at 4 months corrected age (CA) in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants.

Study design:

A prospective study of VLBW appropriate-for-gestation infants (N=53). All blood glucose measurements in the first 14 days and nutritional intake and illness markers until discharge were recorded. Standard anthropometrics and body composition via air displacement plethysmography were measured near term CA and 4 months CA. Relationships between hyperglycemia and anthropometrics and body composition were examined using multivariate linear regression.

Results:

Infants with >5 days of hyperglycemia were lighter (5345 vs 6455 g, P⩽0.001), shorter (57.9 vs 60.9 cm, P⩽0.01), had smaller occipital-frontal head circumference (39.4 vs 42.0 cm, P⩽0.05) and were leaner (percent body fat 15.0 vs 23.8, P⩽0.01) at 4 months CA than those who did not have hyperglycemia, including after correcting for nutritional and illness factors.

Conclusions:

Neonatal hyperglycemia in VLBW infants is associated with decreased body size and lower adiposity at 4 months CA independent of nutritional deficit, insulin use and illness. Downregulation of the growth hormone axis may be responsible. These changes may influence long-term growth and cognitive development.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the assistance of study staff member Bridget Davern in data collection and the grant from the Amplatz Scholars Fund of the University of Minnesota Foundation, which were both integral to completing the study. Amplatz Scholar Award, University of Minnesota Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    J M Scheurer, H L Gray, R Rao & S E Ramel

  2. Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    E W Demerath

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  1. J M Scheurer
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Correspondence to J M Scheurer.

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Scheurer, J., Gray, H., Demerath, E. et al. Diminished growth and lower adiposity in hyperglycemic very low birth weight neonates at 4 months corrected age. J Perinatol 36, 145–150 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2015.154

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