Under Weight Newborn at Greater Risk for Severe Liver Conditions

A recent study has unveiled a concerning association between low birthweight and an elevated risk of developing fatty liver disease at an early age. Babies born with a weight of less than 2.5kg (5lbs 8oz) were found to be four times more likely to develop metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, during childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood.

These findings underscore the importance of maternal health and lifestyle choices during pregnancy in ensuring a baby’s normal birth weight. The study reveals that early-onset MASLD can persist into adulthood and is linked to an increased risk of severe liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. 

The average birthweight in the general population is approximately 3.5kg, but globally, roughly one in seven babies is born with low birthweight. In Western countries, the proportion of low birthweight infants is somewhat lower, around 8 to 10 percent, according to researchers. 

Fahim Ebrahimi from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, one of the lead researchers on the study, expressed concern about the implications of these findings. He stated, “Our study now provides compelling evidence that foetal developmental factors play a significant role in the development of MASLD and progressive liver disease. It is deeply concerning that individuals born with a low birthweight face a heightened relative risk of this disease at a young age.” 

Early-onset MASLD is a growing concern, as it often persists into adulthood and is associated with an increased risk of severe liver conditions. Dr. Ebrahimi emphasized the need for proactive and effective strategies, including early and targeted screening, to identify at-risk individuals and reduce the burden of this disease. 

To prevent low birthweight and its associated risks, Dr. Ebrahimi suggested several key measures during pregnancy, including providing adequate maternal care, nutritional guidance, smoking cessation, and early identification and treatment of pregnancy-associated conditions like gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and maternal obesity. 

While previous research has established the link between birthweight and major diseases such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, the connection to MASLD remained unclear until this study. Pamela Healy, the Chief Executive of The British Liver Trust, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about MASLD. She revealed that their helpline often receives inquiries about this condition, which is frequently discovered incidentally during medical scans for other purposes. 

Experts predict that MASLD will become the leading cause of late-stage liver disease and transplantation in the next decade. However, it’s crucial to note that MASLD can often be controlled or even reversed if identified early before it progresses to a more severe form of the disease. This underscores the need to promote awareness of the disease and encourage people to improve their overall health before the condition advances. 

This groundbreaking research was presented at the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week conference held in Copenhagen and online, further emphasizing the significance of these findings and the urgent need for action.

The study’s results underscore the critical role of maternal health and lifestyle choices during pregnancy in reducing the risk of low birth weight and its associated health consequences. It is clear that proactive measures and early interventions are essential to combat the increasing prevalence of MASLD and protect the future health of newborns. 

Reference  

I News UK, “Babies with low birthweight four times more likely to develop fatty liver disease early in life, study finds” https://inews.co.uk/news/science/babies-low-birthweight-four-times-more-likely-develop-fatty-liver-disease-early-life-study-2688747.