Hormonal State Comparison (Progesterone, Estradiol, and Leptin) of Body Fat and Body Mass Indices in Mexican Women as a Risk Factor for Neonatal Physiologic Condition.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Describe the impact of teen pregnancy on later ovarian activity and metabolic hormones considering the concentration of current levels of ovarian steroids and leptin in a sample of Mexican females.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study in the maternity of the General Hospital of Atlacomulco and campus of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico.

PARTICIPANTS

71 women between the ages of 18 and 24, and 160 neonates seen between March 2010 and June 2012.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The measurements obtained included anthropometric body composition (bioelectrical impedance), serum hormone quantification of ovarian steroids and leptin (immunoassays), and the Apgar scores, height, and weight in neonates. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, Student, and chi-square for P < .05.

RESULTS

Adolescent mothers showed significantly lower concentrations of estradiol (P = .001) and progesterone (P = .001). However, higher levels of leptin in adolescent mothers were not statistically different compared with older mothers (P = .84). Also, leptin was correlated with all measures of adiposity. The mean birth weights (P = .001) and Apgar scores (P = .001) were lower in neonates of adolescent mothers than in neonates of adult mothers. There was no association between maternal age with the anthropometric variables studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Early reproduction represents a metabolic stress condition that modifies the long term ovarian activity and metabolic hormones, and impacts the morbidity-mortality of the mother and offspring in a later vital life cycle stage.