Birth weight influences values and variability of ambulatory blood pressure

Abstract

An inverse relationship between birth weight (BW) and the risk for developing hypertension has been demonstrated in the last few years. To study the impact of BW in the values and variability of ambulatory BP in children and adolescents. Five-hundred and eighty children (341 girls), with a BW ranging 2.500 to 4.800 kg, were included. Ambulatory BP was assessed at the age of 4 to 18 years during a 24-hour period (Spacelabs 90207). Average and standard deviation of SBP, DBP, HR for 24 hour, daytime and nighttime were calculated. The average of SBP values and SBP variability, estimated as the standard deviation, are shown in the table. Children with the lowest BW, had the highest 24-hour and daytime SBP values, as well as the highest variability, when the parameters were adjusted by age, sex, current height and weight. Adjusted means by age, sex, current height and weight. p<0.05 Adjusted means by age, sex, current height and weight. p<0.05 Children who had lower BW, not only tended to have the highest BP values but also the highest variability. The higher BP values and variability may be a consequence of an increased on vascular reactivity, which can predispose to hypertension later in life.