The influence of birthweight on arterial blood pressure of children.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the relationship between birthweight and blood pressure in childhood.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study involving 472 Brazilian children ranging in age from 5 to 8 years. Birthweight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol and fractions (LDL-c, HDL-c), and triglycerides were determined. Total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c, and triglycerides were assessed by automated enzymatic methods. Blood pressure was measured with the HDI/Pulse Wave CR-2000 equipment. Multiple regression models were used to investigate the relationship between birthweight and SBP and DBP, controlling for the following variables: gender, age, BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides, per capita income, and maternal education.


RESULTS
When adjusting for gender and BMI, we found a systolic blood pressure increase of 2.9 (95% CI=-5.33 to -0.56) mmHg per kilogram birthweight reduction. The unadjusted association was insignificant.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that low birthweight is one of the factors contributing to blood pressure elevation at early ages. A way to prevent these diseases is by implementing public policies focused on good nutrition and adequate prenatal care for pregnant women.
Pereira
Joilane A
JA
Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Avenida Dr Arnaldo 715, São Paulo, SP, CEP-01246-904, Brazil.
Rondó
Patricia H C
PH
Lemos
Jesuana O
JO
Pacheco de Souza
José Maria
JM
Dias
Raimunda Sheyla C
RS
D017668:Age of Onset; D000375:Aging; D001724:Birth Weight; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol