989 Measurement of Aortic Pulse Wave Welocity in Children and Adolescents - Validation of the Vicorder Device in Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Background and aims: Aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) estimates aortic stiffness and predicts cardiovascular mortality risk in adults. Since children with kidney disease are at high risk for cardiovasular mortality later in life, it would be important to detect advanced arterial stiffening early. There are different ways to assess aPWV. This study compares aPWV values of young individuals measured by applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor) and with a new oscillometric device (Vicorder). Methods: aPWV in 131 healthy children (age 6-18 years) was measured 1. by sequential tonometry and 2. by oscillometry in a synchronic manner. SphygmoCor aPWV was calculated with distance 1 (dist.1) [=(Suprasternal notch(SSN) to Umbilicus(Umb)) + (Umb to A.fem.) - (SSN to A.car.)]. For Vicorder 3 additional distances were measured and used: dist.2 [=(SSN to Umb) + (Umb to A.fem.)]; dist.3 [=SSN to A.fem.]; dist.4 [=(SSN to A.fem.) - (SSN to A.car.)]. Results: Mean SphygmoCor aPWV was 4.9±0.6 m/s. Vicorder aPWV were 4.6±0.6 m/s (dist.1; r=0.46 for correlation with Sphygmocor; p< 0.0001); 5.3±0.7 m/s (dist.2; r=0.44; p< 0.0001); 5.2±0.7 m/s (dist.3; r=0.45; p< 0.0001); 4.6±0.6 m/s (dist.4; r=0.46; p< 0.0001). Using dist.1, the lowest deviation was seen (11.3±8.1%). Conclusions: The variability between both methods is well acceptable using dist.1. Since the Vicorder is easier to handle, needs less operator training and measurements are done more quickly, it seems the appropriate device for larger cohort studies in children.