Neurobiology of Birth Weight Influence on Blood Pressure Values and Variability in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

To the Editor: Lurbe et al1 find an independent and significant inverse relationship for birth weight and 24-hour systolic blood pressure in 630 healthy children, ages 4 to 18 years ( P <0.001). Likewise, birth weight was independently and inversely correlated with 24-hour systolic blood pressure variability ( P <0.03). Neurobiological features are suggested by a report that dopamine is a potent inhibitor of growth hormone and by studies linking anxiety and vasospasm with dopamine abnormalities …