Relationship between birth size and coronary heart disease in China

Abstract

Background Clinical epidemiological studies suggested a link between fetal growth conditions and later coronary heart disease (CHD) in adult life. However, no such studies have been conducted in a Chinese population. Objectives We investigated the association between various birth characteristics and CHD occurrence in a Chinese cohort. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China. Participants A total of 2,033 subjects who were born at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 1921 and 1954. Measurements Neonatal birth-weight, placental weight, length from crown to heel, head circumference, and biparietal and occipitofrontal diameters were routinely recorded at the time of birth. All participants were followed up between May 2002 and April 2004 for the occurrence of CHD. Results CHD was identified in 135 patients. The occurrence of CHD was inversely related to birth sizes, such as birth-weight, head circumference, placental weight (P < 0.05), but was not significantly related to birth length or ponderal index (birth-weight/birth length3). After multivariable logistic regression, the ratio of birth-weight to birth length was an independent predictor of CHD along with two other variables: obesity and age. Limitations This was a single-center retrospective study. Conclusions In China low birth size or birth disproportion, which is suggestive of fetal growth retardation, has an effect on CHD occurrence during adulthood. This suggests that environmental factors operate in both the prenatal and postnatal periods with regard to the development of CHD.

The early life origin theory in the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes

“…In particular focus, the theory has examined the correlations between low birth weight and adult onset of these diseases. Evidence produced has been compelling with a large number of studies across the globe revealing similar results, including the original studies in England [4,5], comprehensive cohort studies in the Nordic countries [6][7][8][9], and more recent studies in non-western countries such as China [10] and also indigenous populations [11,12]. Studies have generally correlated low birth weight, as a result of slowed foetal growth, to be an important indicator in the development of CVD and T2DM.…”

“…Studies have generally correlated low birth weight, as a result of slowed foetal growth, to be an important indicator in the development of CVD and T2DM. More recent studies have aimed to address limitations in early studies, including the finding that birth weight alone may not be a significant marker in the development of adult onset disease, as well as the uncertainty in low cohort follow-up studies [9][10][11]. For example, the rate of foetal development was identified as a relatively better indicator of disease rather than birth weight alone [11].…”

Risk of sensorineural hearing loss in infants with abnormal head size

“…[1][2][3][4][5] The burden of abnormal head size also extends into adulthood with documented association with Alzheimer, schizophrenia, and coronary heart disease. [6,7] Both microcephaly and macrocephaly are attributable to chromosomal abnormalities and a variety of environmental factors including congenital infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella, and toxoplasmosis. [1,2] The association between sensorineural hearing loss and craniofacial anomalies, syndromes and congenital infections have been extensively documented.…”

The Influence of Low Birth Weight and Smoking on the Male Patients with Premature Coronary Heart Disease: a retrospective case-control study

“…Several cohort studies reported an inverse association between BW and the risk of CHD [5][6][7][8][9][10]. Historical cohort studies in the United States showed that BW and body mass index (BMI) at the age of seven appeared to be independently associated with the risk of CHD in adulthood [7].…”