Preterm infants are more likely to develop chronic health issues, including obesity and heart-related health issues, later in life compared to babies born at full term. Similarly, children born to mothers with gestational diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing obesity and metabolic problems than children of mothers without diabetes. Currently, the optimal pattern of adipose tissue development among preterm infants to prevent later obesity and cardiometabolic disease is unknown.
The purpose of the POPI study (Preventing Obesity in Preterm Infants) is to understand the factors during pregnancy and early newborn life, that contribute to the way a preterm baby develops fat tissue and grows during early childhood. Such factors include whether a mother had obesity or diabetes during pregnancy, the nutrition a baby receives, and the levels of certain energy hormones in blood, urine, and breast milk.
For this study, infants born less than 37 weeks old, as well as a small sample of infants born at term and admitted to the Yale-New Haven Hospital, are eligible. We are particularly interested in recruiting more moderately preterm infants born to mothers with diabetes and/or obesity during pregnancy. Babies on this study will be followed with in-person and telephone visits by the study team from birth until age 2 years. Parent will complete surveys, and research team will collect samples including urine, stool, and blood, and perform electronic medical record reviews.
Study Investigators
