Macrosomic newborns of diabetic mothers are associated with increased aortic intima-media thickness and lipid concentrations.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Exposure to diabetes in utero has been established as a significant risk factor for some of components of metabolic syndrome. A few studies have examined relationship between the metabolic syndrome and echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) mass. We aimed to investigate relationship between abdominal aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT), LV mass and lipid profile in macrosomic newborns.

METHODS

Abdominal aIMT was measured in 30 macrosomic neonates of diabetic mothers (group A), 30 macrosomic neonates of healthy mothers (group B) and 30 healthy neonates (group C). Lipid profile and LV mass were determined.

RESULT: Mean aIMT was significantly higher in groups A and B (0.489 +/- 0.015, 0.466 +/- 0.019 mm, respectively) than in controls (0.375 +/- 0.024 mm). Weight-adjusted aIMT in group A was significantly higher than in groups B and C. Macrosomia was associated with increased lipid concentrations. Both LV mass indexed for BSA (body surface area) and birth weight measurements were significantly increased in group A compared with control.

CONCLUSIONS

Macrosomic neonates of diabetic mothers have significant aIMT and LV mass indexed for BSA and birth weight with lipid alterations. It might play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in adult life.