Body Composition and Metabolism in Adults With Molecularly Confirmed Silver-Russell Syndrome.

CONTEXT: Low birth weight, as seen in Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS), is associated with later cardiometabolic disease. Data on long-term outcomes and adult body composition in SRS are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate body composition and metabolic health in adults with SRS.

METHODS

This was an observational study of 25 individuals with molecularly confirmed SRS, aged ≥ 18 years, from research facilities across the UK. Body composition and metabolic health were assessed at a single appointment. Individuals with SRS were compared with unaffected men and women (from the Southampton Women's Survey [SWS]). Fat mass, lean mass, bone mineral density (BMD), blood pressure, lipids, and blood glucose were measured.

RESULTS

Twenty-five adults with SRS were included (52% female). The median age was 32.9 years (range, 22.0 to 69.7). Fat percentage was greater in the SRS group than the SWS cohort (44.1% vs 30.3%, P < .001). Fat mass index was similar (9.6 vs 7.8, P = .3). Lean mass percentage (51.8% vs 66.2%, P < .001) and lean mass index (13.5 kg/m2 vs 17.3 kg/m2, P < .001) were lower in the SRS group than the SWS cohort. BMD was lower in the SRS group than the SWS cohort (1.08 vs 1.24, P < .001; all median values). Total cholesterol was ≥ 5 mmol/L in 52.0%. Triglyceride levels were ≥ 1.7 mmol/L in 20.8%. Fasting blood glucose levels were ≥ 6.1 mmol/L in 25.0%. Hypertension was present in 33.3%.

CONCLUSION

Adults with SRS have an unfavorable body composition and predisposition to cardiometabolic disease. These results support the need for a health surveillance strategy to mitigate adverse outcomes.