Epicardial fat thickness, an emerging cardiometabolic risk factor, is increased in young adults born preterm

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neonatology
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Preterm birth is a growing concern linked to future cardiovascular risks.
• Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is an emerging indicator of cardiovascular health.
• Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) survivors may face long-term cardiovascular challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate epicardial fat thickness (EFT) in adults born extremely low birth weight (ELBW).
• To determine the relationship between EFT and cardiovascular parameters in ex-ELBW individuals.
• To assess EFT's potential as a predictor of future cardiovascular events in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of 30 ex-ELBW subjects (aged 17-28) with 30 healthy controls.
• Measurement of epicardial fat thickness (EFT) using echocardiography.
• Statistical analysis to correlate EFT with birth weight, gestational age, and cardiac left ventricular mass.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher EFT in ex-ELBW subjects compared to controls (8.7±0.7 mm vs. 5.6±0.9 mm).
• EFT correlated negatively with birth weight and gestational age, and positively with left ventricular mass.
• Birth weight emerged as the sole determinant of EFT, independent of BMI and blood pressure.

Conclusions:

• Former preterm infants, particularly those ex-ELBW, exhibit elevated EFT.
• Increased EFT is associated with greater left ventricular mass, a known cardiovascular disease risk factor.
• EFT serves as a practical tool for predicting potential adverse cardiovascular events in ex-ELBW individuals.