Key result
Premature birth linked to ~12-µm narrower retinal arteriolar diameter and higher central SBP at age 11.
Why the study?
Prematurity disrupts vascular maturation and increases later vascular dysfunction risk, but no previous studies had investigated crosstalk between microvasculature and macrovasculature in childhood.
Does premature birth negatively impact central hemodynamics and microvasculature at age 11 compared to term birth?
Case-Control (n=126)
No
Does premature birth negatively impact central hemodynamics and microvasculature at age 11 compared to term birth?
Mean Difference: -12.2 (95% CI -16.5–-7.94)
Absolute Event Rate: 163.2% vs 175.4%
p-value: p=<0.001
Prematurity induces durable alterations in both macrovascular and microvascular systems observable by childhood, emphasizing the need for early hemodynamic monitoring in preterm individuals.
May warrant early hemodynamic monitoring in preterm children; leaves open long-term cardiovascular risk prediction.
Background Prematurity disrupts the perinatal maturation of the microvasculature and macrovasculature and confers high risk of vascular dysfunction later in life. No previous studies have investigated the crosstalk between the microvasculature and macrovasculature in childhood. Methods and Results In a case‐control study, we enrolled 55 children aged 11 years weighing <1000 g at birth and 71 matched controls (October 2014–November 2015). We derived central blood pressure (BP) wave by applanation tonometry and calculated the forward/backward pulse waves by an automated pressure–based wave separation algorithm. We measured the renal resistive index by pulsed wave Doppler and the central retinal arteriolar equivalent by computer‐assisted program software. Compared with controls, patients had higher central systolic BP (101.5 versus 95.2 mm Hg, P <0.001) and backward wave amplitude (15.5 versus 14.2 mm Hg, P =0.029), and smaller central retinal arteriolar equivalent (163.2 versus 175.4 µm, P <0.001). In multivariable analyses, central retinal arteriolar equivalent was smaller with higher values (+1 SD) of central systolic BP (−2.94 µm; 95% CI, −5.18 to −0.70 µm [ P =0.011]) and forward (−2.57 µm; CI, −4.81 to −0.32 µm [ P =0.026]) and backward (−3.20 µm; CI, −5.47 to −0.94 µm [ P =0.006]) wave amplitudes. Greater renal resistive index was associated with higher backward wave amplitude (0.92 mm Hg, P =0.036). Conclusions In childhood, prematurity compared with term birth is associated with higher central systolic BP and forward/backward wave amplitudes. Higher renal resistive index likely moves reflection points closer to the heart, thereby explaining the inverse association of central retinal arteriolar equivalent with central systolic BP and backward wave amplitude. These observations highlight the crosstalk between the microcirculation and macrocirculation in children. Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique Identifier: NCT02147457.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Wei et al. (2020) conducted a case-control in Prematurity (birth weight <1000g) (n=126). Premature birth (birth weight <1000 g) vs. Term birth was evaluated on Central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) (MD -12.2, 95% CI -16.5 to -7.94, p=<0.001). Premature birth was associated with significantly smaller central retinal arteriolar equivalent (MD -12.2 µm) and higher central systolic blood pressure compared to term birth in 11-year-old children.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: