BLOOD-PRESSURE LEVELS OF PRETERM INFANTS IN THE 1ST YEAR OF LIFE

Systolic blood pressure was measured in 36 infants with median gestati onal age of 29 weeks (range 24-35 weeks) and birth weight of 1160 g (r ange 642-1500 g). Measurements were made at 1, 6 and 12 weeks, and sub sequently at 12-weekly intervals during the first year of life. No inf ant developed chronic lung disease. Systolic blood pressure increased over the first 24 weeks (p < 0.001) to a mean value of 95 mmHg, but di d not change significantly over the next 24 weeks. These data provide a reference range of blood pressure levels during the first year of li fe for infants born at an early gestational age.