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Normal reference ranges for left ventricular dimensions in preterm infants
Lulu Abushaban1, Mariappa Thinakar Vel2, Jebaraj Rathinasamy2
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Chest Diseases Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait University, Kuwait ; Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ministry of Health, Kuwait.
Insights
This study establishes normal reference ranges for left ventricular dimensions in preterm infants. These measurements significantly correlate with gestational age and body weight, providing a crucial tool for clinical assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal cardiology
- Pediatric echocardiography
- Fetal and neonatal physiology
Background:
- Accurate assessment of cardiac function in preterm infants is critical for optimal management.
- Establishing normative data for left ventricular dimensions is essential for identifying abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal reference ranges for left ventricular dimensions in preterm infants.
- To investigate the correlation between these dimensions and gestational age, body weight, and chronological age.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 268 preterm infants in Kuwait (2008-2010).
- Echocardiograms performed within the first week of life and weekly until 36 weeks' gestation.
- Left ventricular dimensions measured and correlated with gestational age and body weight categories.
Main Results:
- All left ventricular measurements showed significant correlation with body weight (P < 0.001) and gestational age.
- A gradual increase in dimensions was observed with increasing body weight and during the first nine weeks of life.
- The rate of increase in dimensions slowed after five weeks of life relative to gestational age.
Conclusions:
- Left ventricular dimensions in preterm infants are significantly influenced by gestational age and body weight.
- The study provides essential reference data for evaluating left ventricular dimensions in preterm infants.
- This data serves as a normal reference tool for clinical use in assessing preterm infant cardiac health.
Objective:
To establish normal reference ranges for the left ventricular dimensions in preterm infants and their correlation with gestational age, body weight and chronological age.
Materials And Methods:
In a prospective study, 268 preterm babies, who fulfilled the criteria for inclusion, were examined in Kuwait during the years (2008-2010). Echocardiograms were performed to measure the left ventricular dimensions on 0-6 day(s) of life and at weekly intervals until they reached 36 weeks. The gestational age was grouped into three: 24-27, 28-31 and 32-35 weeks, and body weight into five: ⩽999, 1,000-1,499, 1,500-1,999, 2,000-2,499 and ≥2,500 grams. The overall group differences were compared for each period of life: 0-6 days, 1-2, 3-4 and ≥5 weeks.
Results:
The mean gestational age was 29.8 (± 2.38 SD) weeks, ranging between 24 and 35, and the mean body weight 1,479 (± 413 SD) grams, ranging between 588 and 3380. At the first scan (0-6 days of life), all the left ventricular measurements correlated well (P < 0.001) with body weight, and the same was observed with gestational age, except for left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-systole and end-diastole. A significant gradual increase was noticed in all the dimensions with body weight during each period of life. However, with respect to gestational age, an increase was observed in all the dimensions during first four weeks, but the rate of increase became less after 5 weeks of life. Overall, a progressive and significant increase in all left ventricle measurements was observed during the first nine weeks of life.
Conclusion:
The left ventricular dimension measurements were found to have significant correlation with both gestational age and body weight. The study also provides reference data, which can be used as normal reference tool for left ventricular dimensions for preterm infants against the gestational age, body weight and chronological age.
