Early Changes in the Biophysical Properties of the Aorta in Pre-Adolescent Children Born Small for Gestational Age

ObjectiveTo assess the biophysical properties of the aorta in children born small for gestational age (SGA) with an echo-Doppler method and to determine associations with known perinatal risk factors.Study designIn this cross-sectional study, 39 SGA and 41 control subjects aged 8 to 13 years were recruited. Perinatal risk factors were recorded. The aortic diameters and pulse wave transit time around the aortic arch were measured with echo-Doppler and the blood pressure recorded. Pulse wave velocity, aortic input impedance (Zi), characteristic impedance (Zc), arterial pressure-strain elastic modulus (Ep), and arterial wall stiffness index (β-index) were calculated.ResultsPulse wave velocity (374 ± 46 vs 348 ± 47cm/sec, P < .02); Zi (177 ± 39 vs 142 ± 27 dynes · sec/cm5, P < .0001); Zc (185 ± 29 vs 152 ± 37 dynes · sec/cm5, P < .0001); Ep (286 ± 101 vs 216 ± 41 mm Hg, P < .0001); and β-index (2.43 ± 0.32 vs 2.17 ± 0.15, P < .0001) were all higher in SGA. We found negative associations between the following: birth weight and Zi, Zc, Ep, and β-index; as well as body mass index and Zi, Zc.ConclusionThis simple echo-Doppler method demonstrated abnormal biophysical properties of the aorta in a cohort of pre-adolescent patients born SGA who remain small in stature and continue to have normal blood pressure.