Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
Preterm birth and carotid diameter and stiffness in childhood
Anna-Karin Edstedt Bonamy1, Ellika Andolf, Helena Martin
1Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. anna-karin.edstedt.bonamy@ki.se
Insights
Preterm birth does not appear to alter carotid artery structure or elasticity in school children. Further research is needed to understand the increased stroke risk observed in adults born preterm.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Neonatal Research
Background:
- Low birthweight is linked to adult stroke risk.
- Carotid stiffening, an early sign of atherosclerosis, is seen in term-born low-birthweight children.
- Preterm birth may permanently affect carotid artery properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of preterm birth on carotid artery growth and dynamic properties.
- To determine if preterm birth influences carotid artery stiffness and dimensions in school-aged children.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound measurements of carotid artery pulsatile wall motion were used.
- 56 school children (39 very preterm, 17 term-born controls) were studied.
- Carotid artery stiffness and dimensions were assessed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in carotid artery diameter were found between preterm and term-born children.
- Carotid artery stiffness showed no significant differences between the groups.
- No differences were observed between preterm infants born small for gestational age (SGA) or appropriate for gestational age (AGA).
Conclusions:
- Preterm birth does not appear to alter carotid artery elasticity or structure in school children.
- The underlying mechanisms for increased stroke risk in adults born preterm remain unclear.
Background And Aim:
Low birthweight, either as a result of poor foetal growth or preterm birth, is a risk factor for stroke in adult life. Carotid stiffening, an early marker of atheromatous disease, has been found in low-birthweight children born at term. We hypothesized that carotid artery growth and dynamic properties are permanently affected by preterm birth.
Methods:
Carotid artery stiffness and dimensions in 56 school children, 39 born very preterm (mean gestational age [GA] 29 weeks) and 17 controls born at term, were studied by ultrasonic measurements of the pulsatile movements of the vessel wall.
Results:
The carotid artery diameter was 6.4 mm both in children born preterm and at term (p=0.99). No difference in carotid stiffness was found. Within the preterm group, no differences could be seen between those born small for gestational age (SGA) or appropriate for gestational age (AGA).
Conclusions:
Carotid artery elasticity and structure are not altered after preterm birth. The mechanisms behind the increased stroke risk in adults born preterm remain unresolved.
