Metabolic Syndrome in Very Low Birth Weight Young Adults and Controls: The New Zealand 1986 VLBW Study

Abstract

Objective: To assess the physical well-being and components of the metabolic syndrome in a national cohort of very low birth weight (VLBW) young adults and same age controls. Study design: The New Zealand VLBW Study cohort prospectively included all infants with birth weight <1500 g born in 1986, with 338 (82%) surviving to discharge home. Height and weight were measured at age 7-8 years. The VLBW cohort (n = 229; 71% alive) and term-born controls (n = 100) aged 27-29 years were clinically assessed in a single center over 2 days, including assessment for components of the metabolic syndrome. Results: Compared with controls, both male and female VLBW adults were significantly shorter (P <28 weeks, Māori/Pacific Island ethnicity, and body mass index >90th percentile at age 7-8 years were significant predictors for the metabolic syndrome at age 27-29 years, with ORs of 2-4. Conclusions: Systolic blood pressure in males was the only component of the metabolic syndrome that was significantly elevated in VLBW adults compared with controls. Extreme prematurity (<28 weeks) and body mass index >90th percentile at age 7-8 years were significant predictors of the metabolic syndrome at age 27-29 years. Trial registration: Registered at the Australian Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12612000995875.