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Normal reference ranges for the left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass index in preterm infants
Lulu Abushaban1,2, Jebaraj Rathinasamy3, Prem N Sharma4
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Chest Diseases Hospital, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
Insights
This study establishes normal reference ranges for left ventricular mass (LVM) and LVM index (LVMI) in preterm infants. These ranges, based on body surface area (BSA), correlate with weight and gestational age, aiding clinical assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal cardiology
- Pediatric echocardiography
- Growth and development studies
Background:
- Assessing cardiac development in preterm infants is crucial for monitoring their health.
- Establishing normative data for left ventricular mass (LVM) and LVM index (LVMI) is essential for identifying abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normal reference ranges for LVM and LVMI in preterm infants.
- To correlate these measurements with body surface area (BSA), body weight, and gestational age.
- To provide a clinical tool for evaluating cardiac growth in this population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 268 preterm infants.
- Echocardiograms were performed to measure LVM and LVMI from birth up to 36 weeks corrected gestational age.
- Infants were categorized into six groups based on BSA.
Main Results:
- LVM showed significant correlation with gestational age, body weight, and BSA.
- LVMI correlated significantly with body weight and BSA.
- Reference ranges for LVM and LVMI were established according to BSA, demonstrating a gradual increase with larger BSA and during the first 9 weeks of life.
Conclusions:
- LVM and LVMI are significantly correlated with BSA and body weight in preterm infants.
- The study provides essential reference data for LVM and LVMI based on BSA.
- This data serves as a valuable tool for clinical assessment and monitoring of preterm infants' cardiac health.
Objective:
The objective of this study is to establish normal reference ranges for the left ventricular mass (LVM) and LVM index (LVMI) in preterm infants according to the body surface area (BSA) and assess their correlation with body weight and gestational age.
Subjects And Methods:
In a prospective study, 268 preterm babies who fulfilled the criteria for inclusion were examined. Echocardiograms were performed to measure the LVM and LVMI on 0-6 day (s) of life and at weekly intervals until the babies reached 36 weeks. The preterm infants were divided into six groups according to their BSA: 0.07-0.08 m2, 0.09-0.10 m2, 0.11-0.12 m2, 0.13-0.14 m2, 0.15-0.16 m2, and 0.17-0.19 m2.
Results:
The mean gestational age was 29.8 (±2.38 standard deviation [SD]) weeks, ranging from 24 to 35 weeks. The mean body weight was 1479 (±413 SD) g, ranging from 588 to 3380 g, and the mean BSA was 0.13 m2, ranging from 0.07 to 0.19 m2. The LVM correlated well with the gestational age, body weight, and BSA. The LVMI correlated well with body weight and BSA. Reference ranges with the mean ± SD, range, and interquartile range were calculated for the LVM and LVMI according to the BSA. A significant gradual increase was observed in a LVM with increasing BSA. Overall, a progressive and significant increase in the LVM was observed during the first 9 weeks of life.
Conclusion:
The LVM and LVMI exhibited a significant correlation with the BSA and body weight. This study provides reference data that can be used as a normal reference tool for the LVM and LVMI for preterm infants based on the BSA.
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