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Right Ventricular Structure and Function in Young Adults Born Preterm at Very Low Birth Weight

Charlotte Greer1, Sarah L Harris2, Richard Troughton1,3

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|November 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Young adults born preterm at very low birth weight have smaller right heart dimensions. Echocardiographic strain imaging reveals mildly reduced right ventricular function, highlighting potential long-term cardiac effects.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Cardiology

Background:

  • Preterm birth (PT) and very low birth weight (VLBW) are linked to increased childhood cardiopulmonary disorders.
  • Late cardiac effects, including right ventricular (RV) remodeling and pulmonary hypertension, emerge in aging survivors.
  • Understanding long-term cardiac health in VLBW individuals is crucial for preventative care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate right heart structure and function in young adults born PT at VLBW.
  • To compare RV structure and function in VLBW young adults against normal-weight, term-born controls.
  • To identify potential early indicators of RV dysfunction in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • Population-based study of the New Zealand VLBW cohort (infants born 1986, birth weight <1500 g).
  • Echocardiograms performed on 229 VLBW survivors (aged 26-30 years) and 100 term-born controls.
  • Assessment of RV dimensions, standard function measures, and RV longitudinal strain using echocardiography.

Main Results:

  • Young adults born PT at VLBW showed smaller RV dimensions compared to controls.
  • Standard RV function measures did not differ significantly between groups.
  • RV longitudinal strain revealed mildly reduced RV function in the VLBW group, correlated with birth weight and gestational age.

Conclusions:

  • Young adults born PT at VLBW exhibit subtle differences in RV structure and function.
  • Echocardiographic strain imaging is a sensitive tool for detecting early RV functional changes in VLBW survivors.
  • Findings suggest the need for long-term cardiac monitoring in individuals born PT at VLBW.

Keywords:
cardiovascular risklow birth weightpreterm birth

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