Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5719203 The Journal of Pediatrics 2017 10 Pages PDF
Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between generation 1 (grandmaternal) cardiometabolic risk factors and generation 3 (grandchild's) birthweight and gestational age.Study DesignMother-daughter pairs in the Bogalusa Heart Study (1973-present) were linked to their children's birth certificates; women were also interviewed about their reproductive histories, creating a 3-generation linkage including 177 generation 1 (grandmothers), 210 generation 2 (mothers), and 424 generation 3 (children). Prepregnancy cardiometabolic risk factors (body mass index [BMI], lipids, glucose) or generation 1 (mean age 16.2 years) and 2 (mean age 11.1 years) were examined as predictors of generation 3 birthweight and gestational age using linear and logistic regression with adjustment for age, race, parity, and other confounders.ResultsGeneration 2 higher BMI was associated with higher birthweight (28 g per 1 unit, 95% CI 12-44) and gestational age (0.08 weeks, 95% CI 0.02-0.14) in generation 3, and generation 1 higher BMI was associated with higher birthweight (52 g, 95% CI 34-70) in the generation 2. Generation 1's higher glucose levels were associated with higher birthweight in generation 3 (adjusted beta 111 g, 95% CI 33-189), and triglycerides (adjusted beta −21, 95% CI −43-0) and low-density lipoprotein (adjusted beta −24, 95% CI −48-0) were associated with lower birthweight.ConclusionsThese results suggest the possibility of multigenerational developmental programming of birth outcomes, although mechanisms (whether biological or environmental) are undetermined.

Related Topics
Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Perinatology, Pediatrics and Child Health
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