The Effects of High Altitude on Body Size and Composition of the Newborn Infant in Southern Peru

Document Type

Article

Authors

Jere D. Haas, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
Paul T. Baker, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
Edward E. Hunt Jr, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania

Abstract

Various parameters of achieved growth are analyzed for 72 Peruvian newborn infants. The effects of high altitude on fetal growth are assessed by comparing newborns at high altitude in the city of Puno (alt. 3879 m) with newborns at low altitude in the city of Tacna (alt. 568 m). Other sources of biological variation such as sex, parity, ethnic group and mother s age are also considered in the analysis. Measures of body size (weight, crown-heel length, lower limb length) body composition (triceps and subscapular skinfolds, and brachial fat cross-sectional area) and skeletal development (humerus compact bone) are all significantly reduced at high altitude. These altitude differences persist and are generally increased when other intervening variables are controlled through covariance analysis. It is suggested from these data that most of the fetal growth disruption at high altitude occurs during the last trimester of gestation when fat deposition and limb growth are most notably affected.

Recommended Citation

Haas, Jere D.; Baker, Paul T.; and Hunt, Edward E. Jr (1977) "The Effects of High Altitude on Body Size and Composition of the Newborn Infant in Southern Peru," Human Biology: Vol. 49: Iss. 4, Article 9.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol49/iss4/9