Preterm birth and carotid diameter and stiffness in childhood.
OBJECTIVE
Low birthweight, either as a result of poor foetal growth or preterm birth, is a risk factor for stroke in adult life. Carotid stiffening, an early marker of atheromatous disease, has been found in low-birthweight children born at term. We hypothesized that carotid artery growth and dynamic properties are permanently affected by preterm birth.


METHODS
Carotid artery stiffness and dimensions in 56 school children, 39 born very preterm (mean gestational age [GA] 29 weeks) and 17 controls born at term, were studied by ultrasonic measurements of the pulsatile movements of the vessel wall.


RESULTS
The carotid artery diameter was 6.4 mm both in children born preterm and at term (p=0.99). No difference in carotid stiffness was found. Within the preterm group, no differences could be seen between those born small for gestational age (SGA) or appropriate for gestational age (AGA).


CONCLUSIONS
Carotid artery elasticity and structure are not altered after preterm birth. The mechanisms behind the increased stroke risk in adults born preterm remain unresolved.
Bonamy
Anna-Karin Edstedt
AK
Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. anna-karin.edstedt.bonamy@ki.se
Andolf
Ellika
E
Martin
Helena
H
Norman
Mikael
M
D001794:Blood Pressure; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D047928:Premature Birth