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Vascular Function in Children with Low Birthweight and Its Relationship with Early Markers of Cardiovascular Risk
Claudio Joo Turoni1, Zulema Chaila, Rossana Chahla
1Departamento Biomx00E9;dico-Fisiologx00ED;a, Facultad de Medicina, UNT, INSIBO-CONICET, Tucumx00E1;n, Argentina.
Insights
Low birthweight (LBW) is linked to early cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. LBW children show impaired endothelial function, suggesting a need for early lifestyle interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Low birthweight (LBW) is a known risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
- Limited research exists on the impact of LBW on early CVD markers in children.
- Understanding these early changes is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate endothelial function (EF) and arterial stiffness (AS) in children with LBW.
- To examine the relationship between EF, AS, and early CVD risk factors in this population.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 53 children with LBW (aged 4-6 years) and 33 controls.
- Assessment of anthropometric, hemodynamic, and laboratory parameters (HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, adiponectin, leptin).
- Evaluation of EF and AS using digital pulse plethysmography.
Main Results:
- LBW children exhibited significantly augmented insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin, and hs-CRP levels compared to controls.
- Endothelial function (EF) was significantly decreased in LBW children (37.5 ± 5.6%) versus controls (75.0 ± 11.9%).
- Arterial stiffness (AS) showed no significant differences between groups; EF negatively correlated with waist circumference, leptin, hs-CRP, and cumulative CVD risk score.
Conclusions:
- Children with LBW demonstrate altered endothelial function associated with early CVD risk factors.
- Elevated metabolic and inflammatory markers suggest a pro-inflammatory state in LBW children.
- Findings indicate a potential need for early lifestyle interventions to mitigate CVD risk.
Unlabelled:
Low birthweight (LBW) increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Few studies have established its impact at early ages.
Aims:
To study endothelial function (EF) and arterial stiffness (AS) and their relationship to early markers of CVD risk in children with LBW.
Methods:
In children with LBW (4-6 years; n = 53), anthropometric, haemodynamic and laboratory parameters, including HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, adiponectin and leptin, were determined. EF and AS were evaluated by digital pulse plethysmography. Data were compared with a control group (n = 33).
Results:
In both groups, anthropometric parameters remained within normal limits. Insulin and HOMA-IR had normal values, but they were significantly augmented in LBW children. LBW children showed higher leptin and hs-CRP levels than the control group. The LBW group had decreased EF (37.5 ± 5.6%) compared with the control group (75.0 ± 11.9%; p < 0.01), however without differences in AS. In LBW children, EF was negatively correlated with waist circumference, leptin, hs-CRP and with a cumulative score of risk factors.
Conclusions:
LBW children display altered EF that is related to early changes in CVD risk factors. The differences found in the metabolic parameters might indicate a pro-inflammatory state. This hypothesis is also supported by the laboratory findings and the correlation between EF and the number of CVD risk factors, suggesting that very early lifestyle interventions may be needed.
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