[Correlations of low birth weight and diseases in adulthood. The hypothesis, the facts and the doubts].

During the past 15 years more than hundred studies confirmed the association between low birth weight and the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The association is explained, at least partly, by the fact, that low birth weight is inversely related to type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia in adulthood. Several pathophysiological mechanism are implicated in the higher susceptibility of individuals born with low birth weight. Data suggest that in addition to the intrauterine retardation the sudden break of fetal development and the accelerated pace of early postnatal growth might also play a role in the pathogenesis of these chronic diseases. The authors summarize their conclusions based on the available results of epidemiological and experimental studies. They also introduce the data suggesting an association between altered bone metabolism and low birth weight. Finally, the authors present those data, that cast doubts on the reliability of associations between low birth weight and adulthood chronic diseases.