To investigate the relationship between the level of serum adiponectin and insulin resistance(IR) in children aged 1-36 months born small for gestational age (SGA).

A total of 71 children born SGA and 31 children born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) with the same age were assigned to SGA group (n= 71) and AGA group(n= 31). The concentration of serum adiponectin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and fasting insulin (FINS) were measured in these two groups. Anthropometric indicators were also obtained at the same time. Insulin sensitivity index and IR index both were calculated. Those who had congenital diseases, metabolism diseases, cerebral palsy, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, tuberculosis, hepatitis, nephrotic syndrome and some other chronic diseases are excluded from this study. The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Review Board of Investigation in Human Being of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University. Informed consent was obtained from all participants.

① Among the 71 subjects in SGA group, 25 were eliminated for some kinds of reason. Finally 46 children corresponded the conclusion and exclusion standard. ②There were no difference in gender and age between SGA and AGA groups(χ²=0.377, P>0.05; χ²=0.064,P>0.05). In addition, there were no difference in the feeding after birth and complication (P>0.05). ③The weight, weight Z score, height, height Z score and chest circumference were found significant difference between two groups (P<0.05) except body mass index (BMI). ④There were no differences in the levels of FPG, FINS and homeostasis model assessment insulin sensitivity index (Homa-IAI) and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (Homa-IR) between two groups (P>0.05). ⑤ There was a negative correlation between the level of serum adiponectin and BMI(R=—0.304, P<0.05), but adiponectin did not correlate with age, gender, FPG and FINS (P>0.05). ⑥The level of serum adiponectin in SGA group was lower than that in AGA group and statistically significant difference was showed (P < 0.05). ⑦ Multiple linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation between the level of serum adiponectin and BMI (R=-0.304, P<0.05), BMI was the influencing factor of serum adiponectin (R= 0.336, R²= 0.113).

Children of SGA who aged 1-36 months did not achieve IR yet. There was a negative correlation between serum adiponectin and BMI. The level of serum adiponectin is reduced. Children of SGA had higher risk to develop IR than AGA infants.