Free fatty acids and triglycerides in normoglycemic low birth weight newborns in early neonatal period

Abstract

Free fatty acids, triglycerides and blood sugar were estimated in 45 lowbirth weight which included 24 preterm and 21 small for gestational age term babies, in the cord blood, in the fasting state at 6±1 h of age, and after initiation of sugar water feeds at 24±2 h of age. Thirty six appropriate for gestational age, term newborns were taken as controls. None of the newborns were born to diabetic mothers or had hypoglycemia. Mean cord blood sugar levels in all the groups were similar ranging between 69.55 to 73.7 mg/dl. followed by a fall in all at 6±1 h and subsequent rise at 24±2h. levels were significantly lower in LBW newborns compared to controls. Means FFA levels were lowest in babies with agestation of 28–32 weeks (0.27 m Mol/L), being almost similar to controls (0.35 mMol/L) in preterm 33–36 weeks (0.32 mMol/L) and higher than controls in SGA (0.48 mMol/L). An inverse relationship with blood sugar level was seen in serial estimations. SGA neonates continued to show higher and preterm (28–32 weeks) lowest levels throughout the study period. Triglycerides in cord blood were 36.72 mg/dl, 38.33 mg/dl, 56.23 mg/dl and 40.11 mg per cent in preterm 28–32 weeks, 33–36 weeks, SGA term and controls respectively. Levels showed a steady rise during the study period.