Subcutaneous fat stores related to weight in full-term neonates.

BACKGROUND

Subcutaneous fat stores in newborns have been related to weight (W) and skinfolds (SK); both are influenced by gestational age (GA) and there are few studies analysing the association between them.

AIM

The present study assessed fat storage in term newborns that are appropriately nourished.

SUBJECTS

Subjects were 1259 singleton term newborns, with appropriate weight for GA.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was utilized where weight, length, tricipital skinfold (TSK), subscapular skinfold (SSK) and mid upper arm (MUA) circumference were measured at birth. MUA areas and the TSK/W and SSK/W ratios were calculated. Data were analysed according to gender and GA.

RESULTS

Weight and length were higher in males, while TSK, SSK, MUA fat area, MUA fat percentage, TSK/W and SSK/W were higher in females. Weight and length increased with GA in both genders. SK did not increase with GA, except the TSK in males. The TSK/W and SSK/W ratios decreased significantly with GA age in both genders. Percentiles of TSK/W and SSK/W ratios are presented.

CONCLUSION

The study provides a new perspective to the idea that fat storage increases continuously during the last period of gestation. The data presented showed that this phenomenon is not clearly demonstrated for full-term infants with appropriate weight for GA.