Cardiac autonomic function in adults born preterm with very low birth weight in mid-adulthood-A two-country birth...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Autonomic Nervous System Research
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Cardiac autonomic functioning is known to be altered in children and young adults born preterm with very low birth weight (VLBW).
• The persistence of these autonomic alterations into mid-adulthood has not been previously established.
• Understanding long-term cardiovascular health in VLBW survivors is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether autonomic nervous system alterations persist into mid-adulthood in individuals born preterm with VLBW.
• To examine heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) in VLBW adults compared to term-born controls.
• To explore potential sex differences in autonomic regulation and BP in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study utilizing two birth cohorts (HeSVA and NTNU LBW Life) with harmonized methods.
• Assessment of heart rate variability (HRV) using standardized techniques in 107 adults born preterm with VLBW and 142 controls.
• Measurement of blood pressure (BP) and statistical analysis including sex-stratified analyses and mediation analysis.

Main Results:

• Adults born preterm with VLBW exhibited higher heart rate and BP compared to controls.
• Significant sex differences were observed in HRV parameters, with women showing reduced parasympathetic activity (lower HF power) and a higher LF/HF ratio.
• Elevated BP in women was partly mediated by alterations in HRV, suggesting a link between autonomic dysfunction and hypertension.

Conclusions:

• Autonomic regulation remains altered in adults born preterm with VLBW, persisting into mid-adulthood.
• Women born preterm with VLBW appear particularly susceptible to impaired autonomic control, potentially increasing their risk for hypertension.
• These findings highlight the need for long-term cardiovascular monitoring in VLBW survivors.