Background: Studies in human and in experimental models suggest that interaction among the adverse prenatal and postnatal environment increases susceptibility for chronic diseases. This environment could induce changes in the metabolism balance.
Objective: To analyze how the low birth weight (LBW) influences on the perinatal complications and serotonin serum concentration associated with the possible changes in the alimentary behavior.
Material and methods: A prospective, longitudinal and descriptive study was made during 6 months of the obstetric events to know the frequency and complications of LBW. To evaluate if these complications could have some relationship with the serotonin concentration we measured through their metabolite 5-hidroxitriptamina (5-HT) and the possible chronic illnesses of the adult life.
Results: From 1,418 obstetric events attended during the study period, 506 patients with viable pregnancies and met the inclusion criteria were included, 26.8% had LBW and the immediate clinical complications were presented in 52.2% of them and serum concentration 5-HT of 362.2 ± 21.8 vs 82.1 ± 13.6 ng/mL.
Conclusion: Low birth weight, besides causing perinatal complica- tions, also conditions permanent changes in the expression of satiety neurotransmitters and some tissues, that alter the regulation mechanisms to maintain the energy balance leading to metabolic stability, which is needed to the proper endocrine functioning in the adult life of these individuals.