1 Junior Resident, Sharda School of Medical Sciences & Research, Sharda Hospital, Sharda University, Gr. Noida
2* Professor, Sharda School of Medical Sciences & Research, Sharda Hospital, Sharda University, Gr. Noida (Corresponding Author)
3 Professor, Sharda School of Medical Sciences & Research, Sharda Hospital, Sharda University, Gr. Noida
4 Associate Professor, Sharda School of Medical Sciences & Research, Sharda Hospital, Sharda University, Gr. Noida
Background
Foetal lipid metabolism is critical for growth and development, and disturbances during intrauterine life may predispose individuals to cardiometabolic disease later in life. Umbilical cord blood lipid profiling provides insight into foetal nutritional status and placental lipid transfer.
Objectives
To compare umbilical cord lipid profiles between preterm and term neonates and to evaluate their association with gestational age and birth weight.
Methods
This observational study was conducted at a tertiary-care teaching hospital in North India over 18 months. Cord blood samples from 174 neonates (87 each of preterm and 87 term neonates) were analysed for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Neonates were categorized by gestational age and birth weight (AGA/SGA; LBW/NBW). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25.
Results
Preterm neonates had significantly higher TC, TG, HDL, and VLDL levels than term neonates (p < 0.01), while LDL differences were not significant. SGA neonates, both preterm and term, demonstrated dyslipidaemia characterized by higher TG and lower HDL levels compared with AGA counterparts. All lipid parameters were significantly higher in low-birth-weight neonates. No significant gender-based differences were observed.
Conclusion
Cord blood lipid profiles vary significantly with gestational age and birth weight. Preterm and SGA neonates exhibit a more atherogenic lipid pattern, supporting the foetal origins of adult disease hypothesis. Early identification of at-risk neonates may enable targeted preventive strategies.
Keywords: Umbilical cord blood, lipid profile, preterm neonates, small for gestational age, Barker hypothesis
How to cite this article: Alam I, Nair BT, Bothra M, Swarup P. Comparison of Umbilical Cord Lipid Profile in Preterm and Term Neonates in Relation to Gestational Age and Birth Weight. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(19s): 414-419. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.19s.50
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None