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Low birth weight and risk of hypertension in African school children
B Longo-Mbenza1, R Ngiyulu, M Bayekula
1Lomo Medical, Kinshasa-Limete, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Insights
Low birth weight (LBW) is linked to a higher risk of hypertension in African school children. This study found a significant association between LBW and increased blood pressure, highlighting potential long-term health risks.
Area of Science:
- Developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD)
- Pediatric cardiovascular health
- Public health in sub-Saharan Africa
Background:
- The programming hypothesis suggests a link between low birth weight (LBW) and adult hypertension.
- Previous research indicates a correlation between LBW and increased hypertension risk.
- This study investigates the association between LBW and hypertension in childhood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between low birth weight and the risk of hypertension in school-aged children.
- To explore potential programming effects of fetal undernutrition on cardiovascular health.
- To assess the prevalence of hypertension in relation to birth weight in a Congolese population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional, semi-urban survey design.
- Retrospective data collection on perinatal characteristics.
- Random sampling of 2648 school children in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Main Results:
- Low birth weight (<2.500 g) was associated with a significantly higher risk of hypertension in African school children (Odds Ratio 2-2.3).
- Birth weight showed an inverse relationship with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- The association between LBW and hypertension risk was most pronounced in females and adolescents.
Conclusions:
- Antenatal stress leading to LBW may trigger fetal programming.
- Fetal undernutrition could predispose individuals to cardiovascular disease and hypertension later in life.
- Early life factors like birth weight are critical determinants of long-term cardiovascular health.
Background:
In accordance with Baker's programming hypothesis, many studies have demonstrated a relationship between low birth weight (LBW) and high risk of hypertension in adulthood. The present study examines a possible association between LBW and the risk of a child having hypertension later in life.
Methods:
The study was a cross-sectional, semi-urban survey. Information on the perinatal characteristics of 2648 randomly sampled school children was collected retrospectively in Kinshasa town, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Results:
High risk of hypertension in these African school children was related to LBW (<2.500 g); the odds ratio was 2 (95% confidence interval 0.9-8.2, P<0.01) and 2.3 (95% confidence interval 0.6-11.5, P<0.01) for systolic and diastolic hypertension respectively. Birth weight was inversely related with both blood pressure and heart rate; the strongest association was shown in females and adolescents.
Conclusions:
Antenatal stress leading to LBW may be associated with programming induced by foetal undernutrition, which in turn leads to the emergence of cardiovascular disease and increased risk of hypertension.