A generation of young adults may be facing health problems linked to having been born prematurely, British researchers warned today.
A study of young adults born before 33 weeks of pregnancy found a range of alarming health problems.
These included high blood pressure and large amounts of fat on the body – even when the overall weight seemed healthy.
About two per cent of babies in developed countries are born before 33 weeks of pregnancy – reflecting improved care and increased numbers of multiple births linked to IVF techniques.
Researchers at Imperial College studied some 48 volunteers aged between 18 and 27 – all born as premature babies.
They found excess amounts of fat in the muscles and liver, especially among young men. Combined with high blood pressure, this suggested a risk of diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Researcher Professor Neena Modi said: "This was only a small study but the differences we found were quite striking.
"The results suggest that we need to monitor the health of premature babies beyond infancy and childhood.
"Preterm men and women might be at greater risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases but if we look out for the warning signs, we can help them to stay healthy with lifestyle interventions, and treatment where appropriate."
Aberrant adiposity and ectopic lipid deposition characterise the adult phenotype of the preterm infant. E.L. Thomas et al.Pediatric Research, November 2011
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