Left Ventricle Structure and Function in Young Adults Born Very Preterm and Association with Neonatal Characteristics

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neonatology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Preterm birth is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality.
• Existing evidence indicates left ventricle (LV) structural and functional changes in individuals born preterm.
• Neonatal factors may contribute to long-term cardiovascular health outcomes in preterm survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between neonatal characteristics and LV structure and function in adults born preterm.
• To compare cardiac parameters between adults born preterm and full-term controls.
• To identify potential early markers for cardiovascular risk in the preterm population.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated a cohort of 86 preterm adults (born <30 weeks gestation) and 85 full-term controls.
• Assessed LV dimensions and function using conventional echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).
• Analyzed associations between neonatal factors, body surface area (BSA), and cardiac parameters.

Main Results:

• Adults born preterm had smaller LV dimensions, but this difference was not significant after adjusting for BSA.
• Stroke volume and cardiac output were reduced in preterm adults, even after BSA adjustment.
• A smaller e' wave was observed in preterm adults; other systolic and diastolic function markers did not differ significantly.
• Antenatal steroid use may be linked to further reduced cardiac output in preterm individuals.

Conclusions:

• Adults born preterm demonstrate altered LV dimensions and function, particularly reduced cardiac output.
• These echocardiographic alterations represent potential targets for early cardiovascular risk assessment and intervention.
• Understanding neonatal influences on cardiac development is crucial for long-term health strategies in preterm survivors.