eMedicineLive

A recent study to be published in the journal “Pediatric Research”, has found that babies born prematurely are at a disadvantage. They show multiple biological markers of ill health as adults. Considering the number of babies being born prematurely because of the advances in the medical technology, this may be a reason to worry about. Statistical data shows that 2% of the babies born in the developed countries are premature and the number is showing an increasing trend. Due to the better medical facilities available today, 90% of these premature babies go home from the hospital.

 

However, the new study, led by Dr. Louise E. Thomas, suggests that a preterm delivery disrupts the development in the third trimester. This may alter multiple biological pathways and may affect metabolic health in adult life. The researchers investigated 48 volunteers who were between the ages of 18 and 27. Twenty three of the participants were born at or before 33 weeks of gestation while twenty five were born at full term. The volunteers were subjected to whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and advanced chemical profiling techniques like magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of liver and muscles, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements and metabonomic profiling of blood and urine. These tests were carried out to find if preterm subjects were any different from subjects born at full term. 

 

The researchers found multiple biomarkers in preterm volunteers which are indicative of ill health at a later period. These biomarkers were more predominant in males and included more adipose tissue in the liver and muscles and around the abdomen despite a normal body mass index, and higher blood pressure. These biomarkers can be related to diseases of the cardiovascular system, and metabolic diseases like type II diabetes.  The urine of the preterm subjects contained metabolites associated with inflammation. The study is important as it points out the necessity of keeping a track of the health of preterm babies and introducing lifestyle interventions at a suitable time if needed.

 

References:

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