Impaired endothelial function and increased carotid stiffness in 9-year-old children with low birthweight

Citation
H. Martin et al., Impaired endothelial function and increased carotid stiffness in 9-year-old children with low birthweight, CIRCULATION, 102(22), 2000, pp. 2739-2744
Citations number
33
Categorie Soggetti
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems","Cardiovascular & Hematology Research
Journal title
CIRCULATION
ISSN journal
00097322 → ACNP
Volume
102
Issue
22
Year of publication
2000
Pages
2739 - 2744
Database
ISI
SICI code
0009-7322(20001128)102:22<2739:IEFAIC>2.0.ZU;2-T
Abstract
Background-Low birthweight (LBW) has been associated with an increased inci dence of adult cardiovascular disease. Endothelial dysfunction and loss of arterial elasticity are early markers of hypertension and atherosclerosis. We studied the prevalence of these markers in 44 healthy, prepubertal (age 9+/-1.3 years) children, 22 with LBW for age. Methods and Results-Endothelial function in skin was tested with the local application of acetylcholine (inducing endothelium-dependent vasodilation) and nitroglycerin (endothelium-independent vasodilation), and local perfusi on changes were measured with the laser Doppler method. The elastic propert ies of the abdominal aorta and common carotid artery were measured with an ultrasonic vessel-wall tracking system. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was lower in children with LBW (88 +/- 33 perfusion units [PU]) than in nor mal-birthweight controls (133 +/- 34 PU, P<0.001). There was no difference in aortic or carotid elasticity between the 2 groups, but a negative correl ation was found between birthweight and stiffness of the carotid artery wal l (r= -0.45, P<0.01). Endothelium-independent vasodilation and blood pressu re were similar in the 2 groups. Conclusions-Schoolchildren with a history of LBW show impaired endothelial function and a trend toward increased carotid stiffness. These findings may be early expressions of vascular compromise, contributing to susceptibilit y to disease in adult life.