OC43: Intrauterine growth restriction and cardiovascular disease before and after birth

Abstract

Objectives: To assess abdominal aortic wall thickness in utero and after birth in fetuses affected by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and according to gestational age (AGA), and to evaluate at birth troponin I and T and high-sensibility C-reactive protein levels to determine if IUGR fetuses have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease after birth. Methods: A prospective study has been performed on 32 IUGR fetuses and 32 AGA fetuses. In all fetuses measurements of abdominal aorta thickness were performed in utero and after delivery. At delivery a sample was taken from the umbilical vein for analysis of troponin I and T and high-sensibility C-reactive protein. Results: In IUGR fetuses abdominal aortic thickness (2.3 ± 0.5 mm) was significantly higher than that in AGA fetuses (1.5 ± 0.45 mm) (P 6 mg/L), whereas values were normal in AGA fetuses (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Signs of cardiovascular diseases in IUGR fetuses may be investigated by ultrasonography and biochemical markers before and after birth.