Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 3, 2026

Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
14:19

Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Published on: June 29, 2013

28.8K

Influence of breastfeeding and postnatal nutrition on cardiovascular remodeling induced by fetal growth restriction

Merida Rodriguez-Lopez1,2,3, Lyda Osorio2, Ruthy Acosta-Rojas1

  • 1BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

Pediatric Research
|September 16, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) impacts childhood cardiovascular health. Breastfeeding and healthy fats improve outcomes, while obesity worsens them, suggesting early intervention potential.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is linked to long-term cardiovascular risks.
  • Understanding postnatal influences on FGR-induced cardiovascular remodeling is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of breastfeeding and postnatal nutrition on cardiovascular remodeling in children with FGR.
  • To assess cardiovascular endpoints in children with FGR compared to those with adequate fetal growth (AGA).

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study included 81 children with FGR and 121 with AGA, assessed at 4-5 years of age.
  • Cardiovascular endpoints measured: left ventricular sphericity index (LVSI), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and blood pressure (BP).
  • Linear and robust regressions analyzed the combined effects of FGR and postnatal factors (breastfeeding, diet, BMI).

Main Results:

  • FGR was a significant predictor of adverse cardiovascular remodeling (lower LVSI, higher cIMT and BP).
  • Extended breastfeeding (>6 months) and healthy-fat intake showed protective effects on LVSI and cIMT, respectively.
  • Overweight/obesity exacerbated cIMT in FGR children; BMI and weight catch-up increased BP.

Conclusions:

  • Postnatal nutrition can mitigate cardiovascular remodeling associated with FGR.
  • Breastfeeding and healthy fats are beneficial, whereas increased BMI is detrimental to cardiovascular health in this population.
  • These findings highlight opportunities for early, targeted postnatal interventions to improve cardiovascular outcomes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Establishment and Confirmation of a Postnatal Right Ventricular Volume Overload Mouse Model06:04

Author Spotlight: Establishment and Confirmation of a Postnatal Right Ventricular Volume Overload Mouse Model

Published on: June 9, 2023

1.6K
Assessment of Maternal Vascular Remodeling During Pregnancy in the Mouse Uterus06:55

Assessment of Maternal Vascular Remodeling During Pregnancy in the Mouse Uterus

Published on: December 5, 2015

14.3K

Related Concept Videos

Regulation of the Cardiovascular System01:27

Regulation of the Cardiovascular System

The regulation of the cardiovascular system allows the body to adapt to various demands and maintain homeostasis.
The regulation of the cardiovascular system involves the autonomic nervous system (ANS), baroreceptors, and chemoreceptors, ensuring that heart rate and blood pressure are appropriately modulated in response to varying physiological demands.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system enhances...
5.2K
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
1.4K
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
4.6K