Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the association between cord blood adiponectin and leptin and early infant growth at one year in small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants.

Study design: In this prospective study adiponectin and leptin concentrations were determined in cord blood of (i) AGA newborns (n=44) and (ii) SGA newborns (n=24). At one year of age, height and weight were measured. Linear regression analysis was used to determine which factors were associated with anthropometric measurements at the age of one year.

Results: (i) SGA neonates had a significantly lower median cord blood adiponectin and leptin than AGA neonates; (ii) among SGA neonates, cord blood adiponectin concentrations were negatively correlated with body weight at one year, weight gain after one year and with BMI at one year; and (iii) among AGA neonates cord blood adiponectin concentrations were negatively correlated with body weight at one year, weight gain after one year and with BMI at one year.

Conclusion: The disparity in cord blood adiponectin and leptin concentrations between SGA and AGA neonates suggests a role for adipokines in fetal growth.