Transgenerational transmission of small for gestational age

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the transgenerational transmission of small for gestational age. Methods: Cohort study including a random sample of 2,043 offspring of deliveries occurring from 1975 to 1993. Of 623 offspring -now adults- that agreed to participate, 152 adults (72 born small-for-gestational age (SGA) and 80 with appropriate intrauterine growth) reported to have at least one child. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the presence of SGA (defined as a birthweight < 10th percentile) or placental mediated disease (defined as the presence of SGA, preeclampsia or gestational hypertension) in the following generation. Results: Descendants from SGA adults presented lower birthweight percentile (median 26 [interquartile range 7-52] vs. 43 [19-75]; p<0.001) and higher prevalence of SGA (40.3% vs. 16.3%; p=0.001) and placental mediated disease (43.1% vs. 17.5%; p=0.001). After adjustment for confounder variables, parental SGA background was associated with an almost three-fold increased risk of subsequent SGA or any placental mediated disease in the following generation. This association was stronger in SGA mothers as compared to fathers. Conclusions: Our data provides evidence suggesting a transgenerational transmission of SGA highlighting the importance of public health strategies for preventing intrauterine growth impairment.