Subcutaneous fat stores related to weight in full-term neonates

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous fat stores in newborns have been related to weight (W) and skinfolds (SK); both are influenced by gestational age (GA) and there are few studies analysing the association between them. AIM: The present study assessed fat storage in term newborns that are appropriately nourished. SUBJECTS: Subjects were 1259 singleton term newborns, with appropriate weight for GA. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was utilized where weight, length, tricipital skinfold (TSK), subscapular skinfold (SSK) and mid upper arm (MUA) circumference were measured at birth. MUA areas and the TSK/W and SSK/W ratios were calculated. Data were analysed according to gender and GA. RESULTS: Weight and length were higher in males, while TSK, SSK, MUA fat area, MUA fat percentage, TSK/W and SSK/W were higher in females. Weight and length increased with GA in both genders. SK did not increase with GA, except the TSK in males. The TSK/W and SSK/W ratios decreased significantly with GA age in both genders. Percentiles of TSK/W and SSK/W ratios are presented. CONCLUSION: The study provides a new perspective to the idea that fat storage increases continuously during the last period of gestation. The data presented showed that this phenomenon is not clearly demonstrated for full-term infants with appropriate weight for GA.