Key result
Arterial stiffness measurement using the Arteriograph was feasible in 59.5% of preschool children, with body height identified as a significant inverse determinant of the augmentation index.
Why the study?
Is it feasible to measure arterial stiffness using an oscillometric device in preschool children, and what are its determinants?
Cohort (n=168)
Is it feasible to measure arterial stiffness using an oscillometric device in preschool children, and what are its determinants?
Measuring arterial stiffness using the Arteriograph in preschool children has moderate feasibility, with body height identified as the most important determinant of the augmentation index.
Moderate feasibility warrants protocol optimization in preschoolers; leaves open standardization and long-term predictive value.
Background Arterial stiffness is an important predictor of cardiovascular risk in adult life. Increased arterial stiffness can also be present in children and may be associated with several other cardiovascular risk factors. Until now, however, we know little about measuring arterial stiffness in preschool children. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of measuring arterial stiffness in preschool children and explored possible determinants related to arterial stiffness at this age. Methods We studied 168 healthy children, aged 3.3-4.1 years, who were recruited from a prospective birth cohort. We measured arterial stiffness, expressed in aortic pulse wave velocity and augmentation index, using a non-invasive oscillometric device (Arteriograph). We measured anthropometry and recorded other determinants using a questionnaire. Results In 100 children (59.5%) at least one valid arterial stiffness measurement was obtained. Of these infants, 89 had at least two valid measurements and 73 infants had at least three valid measurements. The mean aortic pulse wave velocity was 5.56 m/s (SD 0.77), and the mean augmentation index of the aorta was 19.7 m/s (SD 7.0). The augmentation index was significantly inversely associated with body height, with a regression coefficient of -0.78 (m/s)/cm (95% confidence interval -1.13 to -0.42). The augmentation index was not significantly associated with age, sex or (birth) weight. Conclusion The feasibility of measuring arterial stiffness in preschool children using the Arteriograph is moderate. We identified height as the most important determinant of the augmentation index in preschool children.
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Vanderschuren et al. (2017) conducted a cohort in Healthy children (n=168). Arterial stiffness measurement (Arteriograph) was evaluated on Feasibility of obtaining at least one valid arterial stiffness measurement. Arterial stiffness measurement using the Arteriograph was feasible in 59.5% of preschool children, with body height identified as a significant inverse determinant of the augmentation index.
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