Association between preterm infant body composition in the first 3 months of life and preschool age: a cohort study

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发表日期：

2024年5月16日

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Sylvia Reis Gonçalves Nehab,
Letícia Duarte Villela,
Andrea Dunshee Abranches,
Saint Clair S. Gomes Junior,
Fernanda Valente Mendes Soares,
Maria Elisabeth Lopes Moreira

摘要

Compared with full-term infants, preterm infants have fat-free mass deficit in the first months of life, which increases the risk of metabolic diseases in the future. In this cohort of children born under 32-week gestational age or less than 1500 g, we aimed to evaluate the associations of body composition at term equivalent age and in the first 3 months of life with fat-free mass and fat mass percentage at 4 to 7 years of life. Body composition assessments by air displacement plethysmography and anthropometry were performed at term, at 3 months of corrected age, and at 4 to 7 years of age. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to observe the associations between body composition at these ages. At term, fat mass percentage showed a negative association and fat-free mass a positive association with fat-free mass at 4 to 7 years. The fat-free mass at 3 months and the gain in fat-free mass between term and 3 months showed positive associations with fat-free mass at 4 to 7 years.

Conclusion: Body composition at preschool age is associated with fat-free mass in the first 3 months of life, a sensitive period for the risk of metabolic diseases.

What is Known:

• Preterm infants have a deficit in fat-free mass and high adiposity at term equivalent age compared to full-term infants.

• Fat-free mass reflects metabolic capacity throughout life and therefore is considered a protective factor against the risk of metabolic syndrome.

What is New:

•Fat-free mass gain in the first 3 months of corrected age is associated with fat-free mass at preschool and school ages.

•The first 3 months of life is a sensitive period to the risk of metabolic diseases.