Normal reference ranges for aortic diameters in preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Cardiology
• Pediatric Echocardiography
• Growth and Development

Background:

• Accurate assessment of aortic diameters is crucial for preterm infants.
• Establishing normative data is essential for identifying potential cardiovascular abnormalities.
• Previous studies may lack comprehensive data specific to preterm populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine normal reference ranges and Z-scores for aortic diameters in preterm infants.
• To evaluate the correlation of aortic diameters with body surface area, body weight, and gestational age.
• To provide a valuable reference tool for clinicians assessing preterm infants.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study included 268 preterm infants.
• Echocardiograms measured ascending aorta, transverse aorta, and aortic isthmus diameters.
• Measurements were taken from birth up to 36 weeks postmenstrual age, with body surface area categorized into 13 groups.

Main Results:

• Aortic diameters showed significant correlations with body weight and body surface area.
• Normal reference ranges and Z-scores were established based on body surface area.
• A progressive increase in aortic diameters was observed with increasing body surface area and during the first 9 weeks of life.

Conclusions:

• Ascending aorta, transverse aorta, and aortic isthmus diameters are significantly correlated with body surface area and weight in preterm infants.
• The study provides essential reference data and Z-scores for these aortic segments.
• This data serves as a normal reference tool for clinical use in preterm infant cardiology.