Blood pressure values in 8-12 year old children with a history of intrauterine growth retardation

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Abstract

Background: Epidemiological studies have found that intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is closely related to hypertension and is associated with a reduced number of nephrons that may be a predisposing factor for the development of hypertension. Objectives: To determine whether blood pressure levels of children with a history of IUGR are higher than those of children without IUGR. Methods: Diastolic, systolic and mean arterial blood pressure levels were measured in 64 children aged 8-12 years old with a history of IUGR (mean birth weight 1780 ± 422 g) and compared with 64 age and gender-matched controls who had a normal birth weight (mean 3134 ± 594). Results: Contrary to previous reports, systolic blood pressure values were significantly lower in the IUGR group compared to the controls (91.6 ±11.3 vs. 96.6± 13.9, P = 0.027). There was no difference in diastolic blood pressure values. In the IUGR group, systolic blood pressure correlated significantly with current weight (P < 0.01) and body mass index (P < 0.05), and diastolic blood pressure with weight gain between age 2 and 4 years (P < 0.05). None of the blood pressure values correlated with birth weight. Conclusions: Children born with IUGR have lower systolic blood pressure levels than matched controls at age 8-12 years. These data indicate that postnatal weight gain in this group has a greater impact on systolic blood pressure than birth weight.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)480-484
Number of pages5
JournalIsrael Medical Association Journal
Volume13
Issue number8
StatePublished - Aug 2011

Keywords

  • Blood pressure
  • Children
  • Hypertension
  • Intrauterine growth retardation
  • Small-forgestational age

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