Higher systolic blood pressure with normal vascular function measurements in preterm-born children

Abstract

Preterm birth, low birth weight and poor foetal nutrition have been linked to cardiovascular disease, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We explored prematurity and vascular function by studying a UK cohort of 14 049 children and conducting a systematic review.

Conclusion: Systolic blood pressure was higher in subjects born preterm than term, but there were no differences in endothelial dysfunction or arterial stiffness. The systematic review revealed no clear association between prematurity and vascular function.

Keywords: Arterial stiffness; Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children; Endothelial function; Prematurity; Systolic blood pressure.