Maternal Low Cholesterol May Cause Preterm, Lower-Weight Infants

Mothers with low serum cholesterol levels are significantly more likely to deliver premature babies, or full-term babies with lower weight, according to the study, "Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Mothers With Low Serum Cholesterol." Researchers studied 118 women with low total cholesterol (less than the 10th percentile) and 940 women with mid-range cholesterol levels. The women - between the ages of 21 and 34; all nonsmokers without diabetes - were referred to South Carolina clinics for routine second-trimester prenatal care between 1996 and 2001.

Among white mothers, the prevalence of preterm delivery was 21 percent for the
low cholesterol mothers, compared to 5 percent for the mid-cholesterol mothers. There were no significant increases in preterm birth rates among African American mothers. However, a low maternal serum cholesterol level was associated with lower infant birth weights at term - 150 grams less, on average - in both racial groups. In addition, a trend was found towards small head size among babies born to mothers with very low cholesterol. Low serum cholesterol levels often reflect poor diet or nutritional deficiencies.

The study authors recommend that future investigations of preterm births include cholesterol and lipoprotein profiles.


In a related commentary, "The Changing Face of Preterm Birth," the impact of Dr. Muenke's research is addressed.


The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.


American Academy of Pediatrics