Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

A Rat Model of Mild Intrauterine Hypoperfusion with Microcoil Stenosis
06:19

A Rat Model of Mild Intrauterine Hypoperfusion with Microcoil Stenosis

Published on: January 7, 2018

Very preterm birth is a risk factor for increased systolic blood pressure at a young adult age

Mandy G Keijzer-Veen1, Arzu Dülger, Friedo W Dekker

  • 1Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. m.keijzer-veen@erasmusmc.nl

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|December 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Individuals born very prematurely face an increased risk of developing high blood pressure in adulthood. This study found higher daytime systolic blood pressure in young adults born very preterm compared to full-term controls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiology
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in premature infants (<32 weeks gestation) is linked to adult hypertension risk.
  • Renal function may be compromised in young adults born prematurely.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of very preterm birth on blood pressure in young adulthood.
  • To assess differences in blood pressure and renin concentration between preterm and full-term individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Measured 24-h ambulatory blood pressure and renin concentration in 50 very preterm individuals (small for gestational age [SGA] and appropriate for gestational age [AGA]) and 30 full-term controls.
  • Participants were 20 years old at the time of measurement.

Main Results:

  • Young adults born very preterm (both SGA and AGA) exhibited higher mean daytime systolic blood pressure compared to controls.
  • Specifically, SGA preterm individuals had 3.6 mmHg higher systolic blood pressure, and AGA preterm individuals had 4.2 mmHg higher systolic blood pressure than controls.
  • No significant differences were observed in daytime diastolic or nighttime blood pressure between the groups.

Conclusions:

  • Very preterm birth is associated with elevated daytime systolic blood pressure in young adulthood.
  • Individuals born very preterm may have an increased risk of developing hypertension later in life.

More Related Videos

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
Factors affecting Blood pressure01:28

Factors affecting Blood pressure

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
Measurement of Blood Pressure01:17

Measurement of Blood Pressure

Assessing blood pressure is a standard procedure executed in virtually all medical environments. The method utilized today was established over a hundred years ago by an innovative Russian doctor, Dr. Nikolai Korotkoff. The soft ticking noise, known as Korotkoff sounds, heard while taking blood pressure readings results from turbulent blood flow within the vessels. The apparatus required for this procedure includes a sphygmomanometer, a blood pressure cuff attached to a gauge, and a stethoscope.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure01:10

Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure

Accurate blood pressure assessment is crucial for diagnosing and managing various health conditions. To ensure the reliability of these measurements, healthcare professionals must adhere to standardized pre-procedural guidelines. These guidelines enhance patient safety and improve the overall quality of healthcare. The following steps are essential for obtaining accurate and consistent blood pressure readings, from using the appropriate tools to ensuring effective communication with the patient.
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure01:28

Special considerations while measuring blood pressure

When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Blood Pressure01:24

Blood Pressure

The movement of blood in a human body, commonly referred to as blood flow, is determined by the volume of blood that traverses a certain section of the bodily system per unit time. It is the rhythmic contraction of the heart's ventricles that primarily instigates this movement. As the ventricles contract, blood is forced into the prominent arteries, which then flow from areas of greater pressure to lower pressure areas. This movement continues into smaller arteries and arterioles and...