title: Vascular Function in Children with Low Birthweight and Its Relationship with Early Markers of Cardiovascular Risk.
abstract: Low birthweight (LBW) increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Few studies have established its impact at early ages.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study endothelial function (EF) and arterial stiffness (AS) and their relationship to early markers of CVD risk in children with LBW.
  
  
  METHODS
  In children with LBW (4-6 years; n = 53), anthropometric, haemodynamic and laboratory parameters, including HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, adiponectin and leptin, were determined. EF and AS were evaluated by digital pulse plethysmography. Data were compared with a control group (n = 33).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In both groups, anthropometric parameters remained within normal limits. Insulin and HOMA-IR had normal values, but they were significantly augmented in LBW children. LBW children showed higher leptin and hs-CRP levels than the control group. The LBW group had decreased EF (37.5 ± 5.6%) compared with the control group (75.0 ± 11.9%; p < 0.01), however without differences in AS. In LBW children, EF was negatively correlated with waist circumference, leptin, hs-CRP and with a cumulative score of risk factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LBW children display altered EF that is related to early changes in CVD risk factors. The differences found in the metabolic parameters might indicate a pro-inflammatory state. This hypothesis is also supported by the laboratory findings and the correlation between EF and the number of CVD risk factors, suggesting that very early lifestyle interventions may be needed.
authors.affiliation: Departamento Biomx00E9;dico-Fisiologx00ED;a, Facultad de Medicina, UNT, INSIBO-CONICET, Tucumx00E1;n, Argentina.
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Joo Turoni
authors.forename: Zulema
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Chaila
authors.forename: Rossana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chahla
authors.forename: María Cristina
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Bazán de Casella
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peral de Bruno
mesh_terms: D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000097:blood*; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D059289:Vascular Stiffness
chemical_list: D020738:Leptin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein