Fat Distribution among Children Born Extremely Low Birth Weight and Very Low Birth Weight: A Cohort Study.

Background

Fat distribution is associated with chronic diseases and birth weight may influence fat distribution throughout life. Our aim was to compare fat distribution in children born extremely low birth weight (ELBW) and very low birth weight (VLBW).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study evaluated children born ELBW and VLBW around the 7th year of life. Fat distribution was assessed by ultrasonography measurements of abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat thickness. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed.

Results

We studied 63 children. Visceral fat thickness but not subcutaneous fat thickness was significantly increased in children born ELBW compared with children born VLBW, respectively, 3.13 (±1.08) versus 1.86 (±0.76) mm. This result remained after adjustment for age, gender, and BMI; adjusted coefficient 0.118, 95% confidence interval 0.009-0.227, p = 0.034.

Conclusion

Children born ELBW seem to have increased visceral fat thickness compared with children born VLBW.