Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
09:31
Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
The EPICure study: association between hemodynamics and lung function at 11 years after extremely preterm birth
Charlotte E Bolton1, Janet Stocks, Enid Hennessy
1National Institute for Health Research, Nottingham Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, University of Nottingham, City Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom. charlotte.bolton@nottingham.ac.uk
The Journal of Pediatrics
|May 12, 2012
Summary
Children born extremely preterm (EP) show impaired lung function and increased arterial stiffness, indicating higher cardiovascular risk. Preventing neonatal lung disease is crucial for reducing this risk in preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Neonatology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Extremely preterm (EP) birth (≤25 weeks gestation) is associated with long-term health issues.
- Large-artery hemodynamics, a marker of cardiovascular health, may be affected by preterm birth.
- Understanding this relationship is vital for early risk identification and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the link between impaired lung function and large-artery hemodynamics in school-age children born EP.
- To assess arterial stiffness and wave reflections in EP children compared to term-born peers.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 11-year-old EP children (n=66) and term-born classmates (n=86).
- Measurements included spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 second), blood pressure, and augmentation index (AIx).
- Statistical analysis adjusted for potential confounders.
Main Results:
- EP children exhibited significantly poorer lung function compared to controls.
- Augmentation index (AIx), indicating arterial stiffness, was 5% higher in EP children.
- Impaired lung function and maternal smoking were independently associated with higher AIx.
Conclusions:
- The association between poor lung function and altered hemodynamics suggests increased cardiovascular risk in EP adolescents.
- Preventing chronic neonatal lung disease may mitigate future cardiovascular risks in preterm infants.
- Early identification and management of respiratory issues in EP children are important for cardiovascular health.