Work

Analysis of metabolic status and risk factors of small for gestational age children with catch-up growth in East China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Approximately 85-90% patients with small for gestational age (SGA) experience catch-up growth (CUG) by the age of 2, with their height reaching - 2 standard deviation scores (SDS) or 3% of the height of children of the same age and sex. However, SGA patients with CUG (CUG-SGA) tend to be at a higher risk of developing insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. This study explored the metabolic conditions of CUG-SGA patients in East China and analyzes the risk factors that may contribute to metabolic issues. METHODS: This multi-center study in East China involved 151 SGA patients aged 2-8 years. Patients were categorized into two groups: CUG-SGA (height not below - 2 SDS among the children of the same age and gender) and NCUG-SGA (SGA patients without CUG, height below - 2 SDS among the children of the same age and gender). Tests for insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), blood glucose (BG), insulin (INS), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and leptin (LEP) were conducted after a 12-hour fast. Body mass index (BMI) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. RESULTS: (1) Out of 151 SGA patients, 82 were girls and 69 were boys. There were 85 patients in CUG-SGA group, including 38 girls and 47 boys. There were 66 patients in NCUG-SGA group, including 44 girls and 22 boys. The height SDS (H-SDS) and weight SDS (W-SDS) of CUG-SGA group were significantly higher than those of NCUG-SGA group (P < 0.05). (2) The level of IGF-1 SDS, ALT, and GGT in the CUG-SGA group were significantly higher than those in the NCUG-SGA group (P < 0.01). The level of W-SDS, LEP, INS, and HOMA-IR in the CUG-SGA group are significantly higher than those of the NCUG-SGA group (P < 0.05). (3) Correlation analysis in SGA patients indicated positive correlations between BG and W-SDS, LEP, and GGT (P < 0.05). INS was positively correlated with IGF-1 SDS, GGT (P < 0.01), and W-SDS (P < 0.05). HOMA-IR was positively correlated with IGF-1 SDS (P < 0.01). TC was positively correlated with LEP (P < 0.05), and TG was negatively correlated with IGF-1 SDS (P < 0.01). (4) After further controlling for confounding factors and performing multiple regression analyses, the results showed that BMI-SDS had a significant positive effect on INS and a significant negative effect on HOMA-IR. IGF-1 had a significant positive effect on INS and HOMA-IR, and a significant negative effect on TG. LEP had a significant positive effect on BG, INS, HOMA-IR, TC, and TG. ALT had a significant negative effect on INS and HOMA-IR, and a significant positive effect on TC and TG. GGT had a significant positive effect on BG, INS, HOMA-IR, TC, and TG. CONCLUSION: (1) IGF-1 SDS was significantly positively correlated with fasting INS (FINS) and HOMA-IR, and exerted a significant positive effect on fasting BG. If IGF-1 levels in CUG-SGA infants remain persistently high, careful monitoring of changes in glucose metabolism is warranted. (2) CUG-SGA patients had higher LEP resistance compared to NCUG-SGA patients, potentially contributing to future metabolic issues. (3) Elevated ALT and GGT levels in SGA patients may warrant close monitoring of glucose metabolism, particularly in CUG-SGA patients.

Source: BMC Pediatrics

DOI: 10.1186/s12887-025-05868-2