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Growth and development at the age of 1.5 years in children with maternal hypertension
1Department of Paediatrics, University Central Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
Insights
Maternal hypertension impacts child development, especially in preterm infants. While overall outcomes are good, premature birth alongside pre-eclampsia or intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) poses developmental risks.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Maternal hypertension is a significant risk factor in pregnancy.
- Its combined effects with prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) on child outcomes require further investigation.
- Understanding these combined effects is crucial for targeted neonatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the growth and development of children born to hypertensive mothers.
- To compare outcomes of preterm and full-term infants exposed to maternal hypertension with controls.
- To identify specific risk factors for adverse developmental outcomes in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study evaluating 58 preterm and 143 full-term infants of hypertensive mothers at 1.5 years corrected age.
- Comparison with control groups of 128 preterm and 175 full-term infants of normotensive mothers.
- Separate analysis for children with and without intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).
Main Results:
- Overall growth was similar between children of hypertensive and normotensive mothers.
- Preterm infants born to mothers with pre-eclampsia showed delayed growth.
- Developmental risks were highest in preterm infants born to pre-eclamptic mothers and those with IUGR.
Conclusions:
- While the general outcome for children of hypertensive mothers is favorable, specific subgroups face developmental challenges.
- Preterm birth combined with pre-eclampsia or IUGR represents a significant risk for developmental delay.
- Early identification and intervention are essential for preterm infants exposed to maternal hypertensive disorders.
Abstract:
To determine the effect of maternal hypertension additional to intrauterine growth retardation and prematurity, the growth and development of 58 preterm and 143 full-term children of hypertensive mothers was evaluated at 1.5 years of corrected age. The results were compared with 128 preterm and 175 full-term children of normotensive mothers, respectively. Children with intrauterine growth retardation were examined separately from those without. Growth was similar between index and control pairs of groups but was delayed in preterm children born to pre-eclamptic mothers. Developmental differences were found between the index and control groups, but the only children clearly at developmental risk were those born prematurely to pre-eclamptic mothers, and those born prematurely with IUGR irrespective of aetiology. Generally the outcome of children of hypertensive mothers was good.