Aorta Structural Alterations in Term Neonates: The Role of Birth and Maternal Characteristics

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate the influence of selected maternal and neonatal characteristics on aorta walls in term, appropriately grown-for-gestational age newborns. Methods. Age, parity, previous abortions, weight, height, body mass index before and after delivery, smoking, and history of hypertension, of diabetes, of cardiovascular diseases, and of dyslipidemia were all assessed in seventy mothers. They delivered 34 males and 36 females healthy term newborns who underwent ultrasound evaluation of the anteroposterior infrarenal abdominal aorta diameter (APAO), biochemical profile (glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, and D-dimers homeostasis model assessment [HOMAIR]index), and biometric parameters. Results. APAO was related to newborn length (r = +0.36; P = 0.001), head circumference (r = +0.37; P = 0.001), gestational age (r = +0.40, P = 0.0005), HOMA index (r = +0.24; P = 0.04), and D-dimers (r = +0.33, P = 0.004). Smoke influenced APAO values (odds ratio: 1.80; confidence interval 95%: 1.05–3.30), as well as diabetes during pregnancy (r = +0.42, P = 0.0002). Maternal height influenced neonatal APAO (r = +0.47, P = 0.00003). Multiple regression analysis outlined neonatal D-dimers as still significantly related to neonatal APAO values. Conclusions. Many maternal and neonatal characteristics could influence aorta structures. Neonatal D-dimers are independently related to APAO.

Early childhood hospitalisation with infection and subclinical atherosclerosis in adulthood: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

“…In addition, maternal and newborn characteristics may influence vascular parameters in later life [19], and the transition from pre-pubertal to pubertal period is associated with changes in cardio-metabolic phenotypes [20]. The current study provides novel data that severe early childhood infections are independently associated with adult markers of atherosclerosis.…”

Endothelial and Metabolic Function Interactions in Overweight/Obese Children:

“…Considering adiponectin and its high molecular weight component, we found a direct, negative relationship with APAO: each 1 g/ml decrease in its concentration was related to a 0.065 mm increase in APAO value. We considered APAO as an expression of vascular impairment because several studies demonstrated its relationship with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk since childhood 30,36) . Strong et al 37) demonstrated that abdominal aorta showed atherosclerotic lesions more often than coronaries; their comparative hystopathological evaluations in autoptic samples pointed out that the susceptibility of aorta to vascular lesions is higher than right coronary arteries.…”

“…It was calculated as the distance between the near and far walls of the abdominal aorta. Measurements were performed 2 cm above and distal to the umbilicus and expressed in centimeters 30,31) . Intraobserver variability was 0.98 according to ICC (good if 0.80) 26) .…”

Randomized Study of the Effects of Statin on Inflammatory and Prothrombotic States in Obese Adolescents

“…[6]. Glucose intolerance and a positive family history of diabetes in obese young patients account for increased cardiovascular risks; even the characteristics of the mothers (weight, height, diabetes, smoking,…) and of birth (gestational age, length, head circumference, …) were shown to determine early alterations of the aorta in term neonates [7].…”