Size at birth and neonatal fibrinogen

Lee, Anne Maureen (2000) Size at birth and neonatal fibrinogen. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

A raised plasma fibrinogen is strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 'Programming' in early life may influence cardiovascular disease in adult life. Poor growth in infancy has been linked to high plasma fibrinogen levels in adult life. This work hypothesises that reduced fetal growth is associated with high neonatal fibrinogen concentration. A cross-sectional study of neonates over a two-year period was undertaken in the Isle of Man. The subjects were primigravida mothers and their 4 day old babies. Measurements were taken of neonatal body size and plasma fibrinogen concentrations and maternal height. Data from maternal questionnaires and hospital records were collected. The main outcome measure was plasma fibrinogen. The results showed that low birthweight was associated with low neonatal plasma fibrinogen concentrations. The relationship was the opposite of that between adult plasma fibrinogen concentrations and early growth. Neonatal fibrinogen concentrations were also associated with the acute phase reaction and the sex of the neonate. The relation of larger size at birth with higher neonatal fibrinogen concentrations may indicate improved liver function in heavier babies.

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