Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2025

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound 30/45MHZ System
07:34

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound 30/45MHZ System

Published on: May 5, 2018

11.7K

Childhood growth outcomes 2 years after hypertensive versus normotensive pregnancy: a P4 study

Megan L Gow1,2,3, Priya Vakil4, Lynne Roberts5,6

  • 1Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia. megan.gow@sydney.edu.au.

Pediatric Research
|September 6, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Infants exposed to hypertensive pregnancy disorders like preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH) showed accelerated weight gain from birth to 2 years. This rapid growth may increase future cardiometabolic disease risk.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal medicine
  • Pediatric growth and development
  • Maternal-fetal medicine

Background:

  • Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia (PE), can impact infant development.
  • Intrauterine exposure may lead to long-term health implications for the child.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare infant growth outcomes from birth to 2 years among those exposed to normotensive pregnancy (NTP), GH, or PE.
  • To identify potential long-term effects of hypertensive pregnancy disorders on infant growth trajectories.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study (P4) involving infants born to mothers with NTP (n=240), GH (n=19), or PE (n=66).
  • Assessment of infant growth using birth, 6-month, and 2-year weight z-scores, change in weight z-scores, rapid weight gain, and conditional weight gain.
  • Age-correction applied for 6-month and 2-year assessments.

Main Results:

  • Infants exposed to PE had significantly lower birth weight and length z-scores compared to NTP or GH groups.
  • No significant differences in growth outcomes were observed at 6 months or 2 years between the groups.
  • Both GH and PE-exposed infants exhibited significantly greater weight z-score gain and rapid weight gain from birth to 2 years compared to NTP infants.
  • Accelerated weight gain remained significant for PE-exposed infants after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions:

  • Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are associated with accelerated infant weight gain up to 2 years of age.
  • This accelerated growth trajectory may elevate the risk of future cardiometabolic diseases.
  • Monitoring infant growth patterns following exposure to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is recommended to mitigate risks of obesity and related conditions.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Rat Model of Mild Intrauterine Hypoperfusion with Microcoil Stenosis06:19

A Rat Model of Mild Intrauterine Hypoperfusion with Microcoil Stenosis

Published on: January 7, 2018

10.4K
High Frequency Ultrasound for the Analysis of Fetal and Placental Development In Vivo06:43

High Frequency Ultrasound for the Analysis of Fetal and Placental Development In Vivo

Published on: November 8, 2018

10.3K

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
14
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
25
Hypertension V: Nursing Management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing Management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
11
Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
16
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
2.1K
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
13