Fetal, infant, and childhood growth and acetabular hip dysplasia at skeletal maturity: findings from a prospective study with follow up from newborn to adult life

• Published in: Archives of disease in childhood 2012-05, Vol.97 (Suppl 1), p.A2-A2
• Main Authors: Sera, F, Rosendahl, K, Laborie, LB, Lehmann, T, Engesæter, I, Engesæter, LB, Dezateux, C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Birth weight; Body Composition; Body size; Body Weight; Child Health; Females; Maturity; Medical research; Neonates; Obesity; Scientific Concepts; Sensitivity analysis
• ISSN: 0003-9888; 1468-2044
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2012-301885.4

Aim Obesity and tall stature at skeletal maturity are associated with an increased risk of hip joint replacement, suggesting that skeletal growth and maturation may influence hip joint structure and function in adult life potentially by increasing the risk of acetabular dysplasia. We examine associations between growth in early life and acetabular dysplasia at skeletal maturity in a unique prospective study with follow up from newborn to adult life. Methods We report data from a population-based prospective follow-up of a two-stage sample of 11,925 newborns recruited to a randomised study of ultrasound imaging to screen for developmental hip dysplasia. Of 4,507 invited 2,338 (51.9%) attended follow-up at age 18 years including an erect pelvic anteroposterior radiograph, 1,846 (79.0%) with at least one previous anthropometric measurement. Radiographic features of hip dysplasia included the acetabular depth-width ratio (ADR). Birth weight and length were obtained from the national birth registry and height and weight measured at ages two, four and seven years from child health clinic records. Body Mass Index (BMI) and sex and age-specific z-scores were calculated. Weighted multivariable regression models were used to evaluate associations between anthropometric distances and velocity z-scores at birth, 2, 4, 7 and 18 years and ADR at 18 years. Findings For girls (n=1079) higher BMI at maturity was associated with a lower ADR (more acetabular dysplasia): regression coefficient (95% CI) −2.64 (−4.69; −0.59) for one BMI z-score increase. An interaction between birth weight and BMI at maturity (p