Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
Measurement of aortic stiffness in children with asthma by evaluating pulse wave velocity (PWV) using
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Diyarbakir Children's Hospital, Yenişehir/Diyarbakır, Turkey.
Insights
Children with asthma bronchiale have increased aortic stiffness. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) measured by echocardiography is a practical tool to assess this, correlating with lung function in pediatric asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Vascular Physiology
Background:
- Asthma bronchiale (AB) is associated with systemic inflammation and increased aortic stiffness.
- Evaluating aortic stiffness in pediatric patients is crucial for understanding cardiovascular implications of AB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement using echocardiography in children with AB.
- To analyze factors affecting PWV and its relationship with lung function in pediatric asthma.
Main Methods:
- A study included 50 children with AB and 50 healthy controls.
- Echocardiography was used to assess aortic elasticity parameters, including PWV.
- Lung function tests and hematological evaluations were performed.
Main Results:
- Children with AB showed significantly lower lung function (FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75) compared to controls.
- Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was significantly higher in the AB group.
- PWV correlated with lung function tests, specifically FEF25-75 and aortic diameter changes.
Conclusions:
- Echocardiography-based PWV measurement is a repeatable, practical, and fast bedside tool for assessing aortic stiffness in AB.
- PWV measurements in pediatric asthma patients are closely related to lung function, indicating systemic vascular involvement.
Objective:
Asthma bronchiale (AB) is not only limited to the lungs but is also accompanied by systemic inflammation. The aortic stiffness increases with AB. We aimed to evaluate pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement using an echocardiography device and analyze the factors affecting it.
Methods:
50 AB and 50 healthy children were included in the study. Hematological tests, lung function tests, and echocardiographic evaluations were performed for all patients. Aortic elasticity parameters such as aortic strain, aortic stiffness index, distensibility, and PWV were evaluated.
Results:
Mean age in AB and control groups was 12.07 (± 2.65), 12.70 (± 3.59) years, respectively. 63% of the AB group and 55% of the control group were male. Blood lipid and CRP levels were similar in both groups. FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75 were significantly lower in the AB group (p = .002, .000, and .004, respectively). The ventricular function parameters and aortic root and ascending aorta diameters were similar between the groups. The PWV was significantly higher in the AB group (p = .000). There was a correlation between PWV and lung function tests and between FEF25-75 and aortic diameter changes.
Conclusion:
In AB patients, aortic elasticity parameters were similar in measurements based on diameter change, whereas PWV measurement was performed when aortic stiffness was high. PWV measurement with an echocardiography device is repeatable, practical, and fast at the patient's bedside, and can be performed without additional software and equipment. The PWV obtained using the new measurement technique are closely related to lung function.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Assessment of apical pulse
Assessing the apical pulse is a critical nursing procedure, particularly indicated for:
01:16Pulse
The pulse serves as a clinical...
01:23Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
01:13Special considerations while measuring pulse
01:19Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies