Take high cholesterol off the list of health problems caused by low birthweight

Article

Contrary to the "fetal origins" hypothesis and suggestions of a strong inverse relationship between birthweight and subsequent blood cholesterol levels, a recent study finds that 1-kg lower birthweight may be associated with at most about 2.0 mg/dL (0.05 mmol/L) higher total cholesterol later in life—an amount unlikely to have much impact on public health.

Contrary to the "fetal origins" hypothesis and suggestions of a strong inverse relationship between birthweight and subsequent blood cholesterol levels, a recent study finds that 1-kg lower birthweight may be associated with at most about 2.0 mg/dL (0.05 mmol/L) higher total cholesterol later in life-an amount unlikely to have much impact on public health.

Researchers who reviewed 79 studies involving more than 74,000 people found overwhelming heterogeneity in the results, leading them to conclude that previously reported associations between birthweight and later cholesterol levels probably reflect inappropriately placed emphasis on particular study results and inappropriate adjustment for current weight and other confounding factors.

Huxley R, Owen CG, Whincup PH, et al. Birth weight and subsequent cholesterol levels: exploration of the "fetal origins" hypothesis. JAMA. 2004;292:2755-2764.

Recent Videos
Addressing racial and ethnic disparities in brachial plexus birth Injury | Image Credit: shrinerschildrens.org
The importance of nipocalimab’s FTD against FNAIT | Image Credit:  linkedin.com
The importance of maternal vaccination | Image Credit: nfid.org.
Sean Esplin, MD
Jonathan Miller, MD
Related Content
© 2024 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.