Cord blood lipid profile in late preterm and term neonates

Abstract

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are the major causes of mortality and morbidity both in developed and developing countries. High concentrations of lipids in neonates with low gestational age may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the future. It has been suggested that early diagnosis along with appropriate diet and drug therapy may provide an opportunity for long term amelioration of risk factors that contribute to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases in adult life. This study is conducted to compare lipid profile and atherogenic indices in late preterm and term neonates.Methods: It is a prospective comparative study conducted over a period of 12 months in a tertiary care hospital, Bangalore. A total of 170 neonates between 34 to 42 weeks were included in the study. Umbilical cord blood was collected immediately after delivery and lipid values were measured. Atherogenic indices were calculated. Results: Out of 170 neonates, 93 (54.7%) were male and 77 (45.3%) were female. 88 (55%) were late preterm and 72 (45%) were term. The cord blood lipid levels were not affected by the gender of the neonates. TG, TC, LDL, VLDL, LDL/HDL, TC/HDL were higher in late preterm babies compared to term babies (p <0.05), HDL levels were not statistically significant. The mean serum lipid levels (TG, TC, LDL and VLDL) and atherogenic indices were higher in SGA babies than AGA, but HDL levels were not statistically significant. (p >0.05)Conclusions: Lipid levels are inversely correlated with the gestational age. This could be regarded as a risk factor for development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases in later life.