Preterm Birth and the Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth is associated with features of the metabolic syndrome in later life. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting markers of the metabolic syndrome in adults born preterm. METHODS: Reports of metabolic syndrome–associated features in adults (≥18 years of age) born at <37-week gestational age and at term (37- to 42-week gestational age) were included. Outcomes assessed were BMI,...