Vascular Function in Children with Low Birthweight and Its Relationship with Early Markers of Cardiovascular Risk

Abstract

Low birthweight (LBW) increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Few studies have established its impact at early ages. Aims: To study endothelial function (EF) and arterial stiffness (AS) and their relationship to early markers of CVD risk in children with LBW. Methods: In children with LBW (4-6 years; n = 53), anthropometric, haemodynamic and laboratory parameters, including HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, adiponectin and leptin, were determined. EF and AS were evaluated by digital pulse plethysmography. Data were compared with a control group (n = 33). Results: In both groups, anthropometric parameters remained within normal limits. Insulin and HOMA-IR had normal values, but they were significantly augmented in LBW children. LBW children showed higher leptin and hs-CRP levels than the control group. The LBW group had decreased EF (37.5 ± 5.6%) compared with the control group (75.0 ± 11.9%; p < 0.01), however without differences in AS. In LBW children, EF was negatively correlated with waist circumference, leptin, hs-CRP and with a cumulative score of risk factors. Conclusions: LBW children display altered EF that is related to early changes in CVD risk factors. The differences found in the metabolic parameters might indicate a pro-inflammatory state. This hypothesis is also supported by the laboratory findings and the correlation between EF and the number of CVD risk factors, suggesting that very early lifestyle interventions may be needed.

Association between High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Blood Pressure among Children with History of Low Birth Weight Appropriate for Gestational Age, Low Birth Weight Small for Gestational Age, and Normal Birth Weight in Manado, North Sulawesi

“…Similar results were also discovered for both low birth weight and normal birth weight groups (p < 0.0001). Our results support the results of the previous study by Turoni et al which reported that serum hs-CRP level is higher among children with a history of low birth weight compared to the control group [23]. e results of this study showed no significant difference in serum hs-CRP level between children with LBW SGA and children with LBW AGA (p � 0.949).…”

“…e difference was only found when the serum hs-CRP level was compared with the control group. Hs-CRP is not only considered a marker for cardiovascular risk, but its increase also reflects a cardiovascular damage [23].…”

Plasma Adipokines Profile in Prepubertal Children with a History of Prematurity or Extrauterine Growth Restriction

“…In obese children and adolescents, hypoadiponectinemia and hyperleptinemia, as well as higher values of resistin were well correlated with an atherogenic lipid profile and markers of IR [65,66]. The majority of these correlations have also been documented in term SGA children [50,67]. However, the literature on the role of adipokines in regulating lipid metabolism and/or insulin sensibility in preterm children is limited [20].…”

Hubungan High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein dan Tekanan Darah pada Anak dengan Riwayat Berat Lahir Rendah Kecil Masa Kehamilan

“…Turoni dkk 5 meneliti hubungan antara fungsi endotel dan Kadar Hs-CRP tidak hanya dianggap sebagai penanda risiko kardiovaskular, tetapi peningkatannya juga menandakan kerusakan kardiovaskular. 5 Pembentukan dan perkembangan ginjal yang sempurna pada janin biasanya terjadi sampai usia kehamilan 36 minggu dan setelah lahir tidak akan terjadi pembentukan nefron-nefron baru lagi. Pembentukan nefron intrauterin sangat dipengaruhi oleh pertumbuhan janin intrauterin yang meliputi nutrisi maternal, vitamin, terjadinya infeksi intrauterin, paparan terhadap antibiotik, merokok, dan alkohol.…”