Genetic, phenotypic, metabolic and endocrine features in small for gestational age and very low birth weight children

摘要

This supplement looks at key issues of genetic influences, phenotypic consequences and metabolic and endocrine characteristics of children born small for gestational age (SGA) or very low birth weight (VLBW). Pathogenetic features of SGA children have been extensively investigated, but the consequences of VLBW (< 1000 g) are less well studied and may have a significant effect on childhood growth and, apparently, metabolic status and risk of adult disease.Hofman et al. have contributed greatly to our understanding of the metabolic associations of human fetal growth (I). He presents evidence that prematurity per se may be associated with reduced insulin sensitivity, likely linked to a combination of factors: maternal nutrition, and nutrient supply as well as intake to the fetus and newborn. Following the analogy of fetal nutritional status having an influence on possible programming of adult morbidity (2), it seems that VLBW infants may be similarly at risk. This hypothesis will be tested.