Poorer health and wealth in later life for preterm, low-birth-weight babies

Date: May-23-2016Children born preterm at a very low birth weight may fare worse in later life when it comes to health, wealth, and social integration, suggests a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics.

Researchers found that adults born preterm at an extremely low birth weight had a lower income in adulthood than those born a normal weight.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1 in 10 infants born in the United States in 2014 were preterm - defined as being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

The earlier a baby is born, the lower their birth weight is likely to be; approximately 7 in 10 babies born with a low birth weight are premature.

Low birth weight (LBW) is defined as a child weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (less than 2,500 grams) at birth. Babies born weighing less than 3 pounds, 5 ounces (less than 1,500 grams) fall into the extremely low birth weight (ELBW) category.

It is well established that a low birth weight can have negative implications for a newborn's health, raising the risk of neurological abnormalities, respiratory conditions, bleeding in the brain, and intestinal problems.

What is less clear is how being born with a low birth weight can impact a child's health, education, employment, and social functioning in adulthood.

To find out, Dr. Saroj Saigal, of McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, and colleagues analyzed data of 100 adults aged 29-36 who were born prematurely at an ELBW between 1977-1982.

"This is the first comprehensive report, to our knowledge, of the health and social status of a longitudinally followed cohort of ELBW adults into the fourth decade of life," note the authors.

The team assessed self-reported information on the adults' health, education, employment, social integration, sexuality, and reproduction, and they compared this data with that of 89 adults born a normal weight at full term.

Lower income, more health problems for ELBW adults

A total of 20 of the adults born with an ELBW had neurological impairments, the team reports.

Fast facts about preterm birth

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Most preterm-related deaths occur among infants born very premature, before 32 weeks' gestation

Quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol may reduce the risk of preterm birth.

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Compared with normal-birth-weight adults, ELBW adults were less likely to be employed and were more likely to have a lower income in adulthood.

ELBW adults were also more likely to remain single, less likely to have had sex, and were less likely to have had children than those born a normal weight.

Lower self-esteem was identified among ELBW adults, and these adults were also more likely to have chronic health conditions - including diabetes and heart problems - than those born with a normal weight.

Compared with normal-birth-weight adults, ELBW adults were less likely to have current drug abuse or dependence, and they were less likely to have lifetime alcohol abuse or dependence.

The researchers identified no differences in family and partner relationships between the two groups, nor were there any differences in education levels.

After excluding the 20 adults with neurological impairments, the team identified a higher rate of bisexuality and homosexuality among ELBW adults.

The researchers note that the small sample size of their study is a limitation. Still, future studies should further investigate how preterm birth and low birth weight impacts health, wealth, and social status in adulthood.

They add:

"Overall, the majority of extremely premature adults are living independently and contributing well to society.

[...] It is difficult to predict what the future will hold for these ELBW adults as they reach middle age in terms of their employment, income, family and partner relationships, and quality of life. [...] It is therefore essential that these individuals receive necessary support and continued monitoring."

Read about a study that reveals how outcomes for extremely preterm infants have improved over the past 20 years.

Written by Honor Whiteman

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.