Cord blood lipid profile in relation to anthropometric measures of newborns

Background: Elevated serum lipid is a contributing factor in cardiac diseases. Exposure to stress in utero may affect lipid metabolism and anthropometric measures at birth. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess cord blood lipid profile of newborns and its possible effect on newborn body measurements. Patients and methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 newborns. They were divided into three groups: small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA), and large for gestational age (LGA)groups. Maternal datawere recorded, and BMI was calculated. Cord blood lipids, namely, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TGL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins, were assessed. Results: Mean levels of TGL and LDLwere significantly higher in the SGA group compared with the AGA group, and significantly higher in the AGA group compared with the LGA group, whereas mean total cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the SGA group, with no difference between AGA and LGA groups.Therewas a strong negative correlation between TGL and each of birth weight, abdominal circumference, and ponderal index. The same was reported for LDL. Furthermore, maternal BMI did not affect neonatal lipids. Conclusion: Variation in lipid profile at birth can affect anthropometric measures of the newborn.