The subtraction method for distance measurement in pulse wave velocity estimation was more reliable than the direct method, which overestimated distance by 10% in children aged ≥14 years (p<0.0001).
Cross-Sectional (n=988)
Does the subtraction method provide a more reliable distance measurement for pulse wave velocity estimation compared to the direct method in pediatric patients?
The subtraction method is more reliable than the direct method for measuring distance in pulse wave velocity estimation in children, particularly those aged 14 years and older.
Mean Difference: -0.57
p-value: p=< 0.0001
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Central pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a marker of arterial stiffness and is calculated by dividing the pulse wave travel distance by the transit time. However, there is no consensus as to the ideal distance measurement in children. The aim of our study was to identify the more reliable method to assess the distance measurement in the pediatric age. METHODS: Carotid-femoral PWV was measured by applanation tonometry in 988 healthy children aged 6.5-19.9 years. Two different surface distances were assessed: the subtraction method, representing the distance from the suprasternal notch to the femoral artery minus the distance from the carotid artery to the suprasternal notch, and the direct method, consisting of 80% of the distance from the carotid artery to the femoral artery. Both these methods were compared with the actual path length determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 31 children. RESULTS: Subtraction and direct methods were significantly correlated in patients aged <14 years and the corresponding PWV values showed a good agreement. In children aged ≥14 years, a significant difference between the two methods was found: subtraction - direct distance = -45 ± 28 mm, with a significant difference in the resulting PWV values = -0.57 ± 0.35 m/s (p < 0.0001). This result was confirmed by MRI, showing a 10% overestimation in distance measurement by the direct method in subjects aged ≥14 years, resulting in a significantly higher PWV. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest a greater reliability of the subtractive method of distance measurement compared to the direct method in children.
Reusz et al. (Mon,) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy children (n=988). Subtraction method for distance measurement vs. Direct method (80% of carotid-femoral distance) was evaluated on Difference in resulting pulse wave velocity (PWV) values between subtraction and direct methods in children aged ≥14 years (MD -0.57 m/s, p=< 0.0001). The subtraction method for distance measurement in pulse wave velocity estimation was more reliable than the direct method, which overestimated distance by 10% in children aged ≥14 years (p<0.0001).