Impact of fetal malnutrition in mid-childhood and early-adolescent age

Abstract

Background: Fetal malnutrition is accompanied by short-term and long-term morbidities in children. Objective was to assess impact of FM on physical growth, blood pressure and neurodevelopment in mid childhood and early adolescent age. Methods: An observational, retrospective, study was undertaken in an urban multispecialty hospital of Mumbai, India on a closed cohort of 54 children born in year 2006-2007. They had been assessed for their nutritional status at birth by clinical assessment of Nutrition score (CAN score) described by Metcoff. Twenty – five children had evidence of FM (FM – group) and 29 had normal nutritional status at birth (Non – FM group). They were in their mid-childhood and early-adolescent age at time of present study. Anthropometry and Blood pressure measurement of children were taken. Scholastic performance and any neurodevelopmental problem were enquired and medical records were checked. Results: In mid-childhood and early-adolescent age, absolute risk of overweight /obesity (36% vs. 20.68%), Central obesity (8.0% vs. 3.44%), prehypertension/hypertension (8.0% vs 3.44%) and neurodevelopmental problems (24% vs. 3.44%) in FM- group children was more compared to Non-FM- group. Also, FM- group children had 1.74, 2.32, 2.32 and 6.96 times more risk of overweight/obesity, central obesity, prehypertension/hypertension and neurodevelopmental problems. Conclusions: Fetal malnutrition has significant impact on physical growth, blood pressure measurement and neurodevelopment outcome in mid childhood and early adolescent age.