Introduction: Children born small for gestational age (SGA) have increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), hypertension and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in adulthood.
Patients and Methods: In 100 children born SGA, and in second cohort having 32 obese children born in term with normal birth weight and height, anthropometric measurements and biochemical metabolic profiles were analysed. The Homeostasis Model Assessment - Insulin Resistance and Sensitivity (HOMA-IR and IS) were calculated.
Results: Four overweight/obese children (M:F=3:1) with normal height were found among 100 SGA children. The body mass index (BMI) in all 4 children was above the 98th percentile and the mean BMI z-score was (2.04±0.30 SDS). The HOMA-IR index in all four children was increased: 1.26-2.65 (>1). Two teenagers had significant hyperinsulinemia (198.00 uIU/ml and 275 uIU/ml) and were treated with metformin. Two girls needed only a diet and increased physical activity. The mean values of HOMA-IR (1.26-2.65; N< 1) and IS (58 ±17.12) in fo-ur SGA overweight/obese children who caught-up growth had indistinguishable values with the group of 32 (M: F=21:11) obese children (HOMA-IR 1.83±1.2 SDS; IS 82.99±64.53 SDS) born in term with normal birth weight and height.
Conclusions: SGA born children are usually thin; nevertheless we found overweight and obesity in 4% of the patients. Two of those children have metabolic syndrome. Excess weight, obesity and metabolic syndrome in SGA children result with increase of their inherent risk for DM2, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in adulthood.
