Body Composition and Metabolism in Adults With Molecularly Confirmed Silver-Russell Syndrome

Abstract

Context Low birth weight, as seen in Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS), is associated with later cardiometabolic disease. Data on long term outcomes and adult body composition in SRS are limited. Objective To evaluate body composition and metabolic health in adults with SRS. Design This was an observational study. Body composition and metabolic health were assessed at a single appointment. Individuals with SRS were compared with unaffected men and women (from the Southampton Women’s Survey (SWS)). Setting Clinical research facilities across the UK. Participants 25 individuals with molecularly-confirmed SRS aged ≥18 years. Main Outcome Measures Fat mass, lean mass, bone mineral density (BMD), blood pressure, lipids, and blood glucose were measured. Results 25 adults with SRS were included (52% female). The median age was 32.9 years (range 22.0-69.7). Fat percentage was greater in the SRS group than the SWS cohort (44.1% vs 30.3%, p<0.001). Fat mass index was similar (9.6 vs 7.8, p=0.3). Lean mass percentage (51.8% vs 66.2%, p<0.001) and lean mass index (13.5 kg/m2 vs 17.3 kg/m2, p<0.001) were lower in the SRS group than the SWS cohort. BMD was lower in the SRS group than the SWS cohort (1.08 vs 1.24, p<0.001) (all median values). Total cholesterol was ≥5mmol/L in 52.0%. Triglyceride levels were ≥1.7mmol/L in 20.8%. Fasting blood glucose levels were ≥6.1mmol/L in 25.0%. Hypertension was present in 33.3%. Conclusions Adults with SRS have an unfavourable body composition and predisposition to cardiometabolic disease. These results support the need for a health surveillance strategy to mitigate adverse outcomes.