Preterm infants have altered adiponectin levels at term-equivalent age even if they do not present with extrauterine growth restriction

Background/aims: This study aimed to investigate total adiponectin (T-Ad) and high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-Ad) levels in preterm infants at term-equivalent age and to assess the relationship between adiponectin levels and early postnatal growth.

Methods: The study included 43 term infants and 58 preterm infants born at 34 weeks' gestation or less. T-Ad and HMW-Ad levels were measured in the preterm infants at birth and at term-equivalent age, and in the term infants at birth. Adiponectin levels were statistically compared between preterm and term infants to evaluate the association between postnatal growth and changes in the adiponectin levels in preterm infants.

Results: The T-Ad levels were higher and the ratio of HMW-Ad to T-Ad (HMW%) was lower in preterm infants at term-equivalent age than in term infants. Further, body weight SD score changes were positively associated with T-Ad and HMW-Ad increases in preterm infants from birth to term-equivalent age. The HMW% changes had a negative association only with HMW% in cord blood.

Conclusion: Preterm infants have altered adiponectin levels at term-equivalent age. Further, postnatal growth may contribute to adiponectin increases from birth to term-equivalent age, although HMW% changes might be regulated before birth at least up to term-equivalent age in preterm infants.