Prenatal markers of neonatal fat mass: A systematic review.
Environmental influences during pregnancy are able to affect off spring phenotype with lifelong effects. Clinical applicable markers are needed to identify foetuses at risk for neonatal adiposity. This systematic review aims to 1) review the current literature on prenatal markers of neonatal fat mass, and 2) appraise the clinical applicability of the assessed markers.



A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies meeting the following inclusion criteria: 1) original research papers in English; 2) research on dynamic and measurable prenatal markers of neonatal fat mass; 3) neonatal fat mass measurement within one month after birth, using the four-compartment model, magnetic resonance imaging, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or air displacement plethysmography. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, assessment of methodological (QUADAS-II) and statistical quality and appraisal of clinical applicability.



Of 2333 studies primarily identified by the search strategy, 16 studies were included. Four of these were both methodologically and statistically of moderate or high quality. Prenatal markers investigated were ultrasound parameters, maternal biochemical markers and maternal characteristics. Markers of predefined interest were maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, fasting glucose and HbA1c, showing varying results. A meta-analysis was not possible due to substantial methodological heterogeneity. Clinically applicability of all markers was rated poor.



Although associations were found, no useful marker was identified, due to lack of methodological and statistical quality, inconsistent results and poor clinical applicability. No markers were investigated in the periconceptional and embryonic period.
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Jorine A
JA
Roelants
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Rogier C J
RC
de Jonge
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Régine P M
RP
Steegers-Theunissen
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Irwin K M
IK
Reiss
Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Koen F M
KF
Joosten
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: m.j.vermeulen@erasmusmc.nl.
Marijn J
MJ
Vermeulen
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D050154:Adiposity; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010991:Plethysmography; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal
D015415:Biomarkers; D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin
Body composition; Fat mass; Newborn; Obesity; Predictor