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Umapathy A, Clark A, Sehgal A, Karanam V, Rajaraman G, Kalionis B, Jones H, James J, Murthi P. Molecular regulators of defective placental and cardiovascular development in fetal growth restriction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:761-775. [PMID: 38904187 PMCID: PMC11193155 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Placental insufficiency is one of the major causes of fetal growth restriction (FGR), a significant pregnancy disorder in which the fetus fails to achieve its full growth potential in utero. As well as the acute consequences of being born too small, affected offspring are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases in later life. The placenta and heart develop concurrently, therefore placental maldevelopment and function in FGR may have profound effect on the growth and differentiation of many organ systems, including the heart. Hence, understanding the key molecular players that are synergistically linked in the development of the placenta and heart is critical. This review highlights the key growth factors, angiogenic molecules and transcription factors that are common causes of defective placental and cardiovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandita Umapathy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand
| | - Arvind Sehgal
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia and Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vijaya Karanam
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gayathri Rajaraman
- First year college, Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen N. Jones
- Department of Physiology and Aging, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Center for Research in Perinatal Outcomes, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Jo James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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van de Meent M, Nijholt KT, Joemmanbaks SCA, Kooiman J, Schipper HS, Wever KE, Lely AT, Terstappen F. Understanding changes in echocardiographic parameters at different ages following fetal growth restriction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H1469-H1488. [PMID: 38668703 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00052.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) increases cardiovascular risk by cardiac remodeling and programming. This systematic review and meta-analysis across species examines the use of echocardiography in FGR offspring at different ages. PubMed and Embase.com were searched for animal and human studies reporting on echocardiographic parameters in placental insufficiency-induced FGR offspring. We included six animal and 49 human studies. Although unable to perform a meta-analysis of animal studies because of insufficient number of studies per individual outcome, all studies showed left ventricular dysfunction. Our meta-analyses of human studies revealed a reduced left ventricular mass, interventricular septum thickness, mitral annular peak velocity, and mitral lateral early diastolic velocity at neonatal age. No echocardiographic differences during childhood were observed, although the small age range and number of studies limited these analyses. Only two studies at adult age were performed. Meta-regression on other influential factors was not possible due to underreporting. The few studies on myocardial strain analysis showed small changes in global longitudinal strain in FGR offspring. The quality of the human studies was considered low and the risk of bias in animal studies was mostly unclear. Echocardiography may offer a noninvasive tool to detect early signs of cardiovascular predisposition following FGR. Clinical implementation yet faces multiple challenges including identification of the most optimal timing and the exact relation to long-term cardiovascular function in which echocardiography alone might be limited to reflect a child's vascular status. Future research should focus on myocardial strain analysis and the combination of other (non)imaging techniques for an improved risk estimation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our meta-analysis revealed echocardiographic differences between fetal growth-restricted and control offspring in humans during the neonatal period: a reduced left ventricular mass and interventricular septum thickness, reduced mitral annular peak velocity, and mitral lateral early diastolic velocity. We were unable to pool echocardiographic parameters in animal studies and human adults because of an insufficient number of studies per individual outcome. The few studies on myocardial strain analysis showed small preclinical changes in FGR offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette van de Meent
- Division Women and Baby, Department of Obstetrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten T Nijholt
- Division Women and Baby, Department of Obstetrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shary C A Joemmanbaks
- Division Women and Baby, Department of Obstetrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith Kooiman
- Division Women and Baby, Department of Obstetrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henk S Schipper
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kimberley E Wever
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A Titia Lely
- Division Women and Baby, Department of Obstetrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fieke Terstappen
- Division Women and Baby, Department of Obstetrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division Women and Baby, Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Şahan YÖ, Sakcak B, Göncü Ayhan Ş, Tanaçan A, Kibar Gül AE, Şahin D, İlker Çetin İ. The influence of maternal COVID-19 on cardiac functions: From fetal life to infancy. Echocardiography 2024; 41:e15736. [PMID: 38284669 DOI: 10.1111/echo.15736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate both short and mid-term effects of maternal COVID-19 on cardiac functions of fetuses and children. METHODS The present case-control study was conducted on 36 pregnant women who had COVID-19 infection in the second trimester of pregnancy and 30 pregnant women as healthy controls. Fetal, neonatal, and infant cardiac functions were compared between the groups. Assessment of fetal cardiac functions were performed in the last trimester of the pregnancy at least 6 weeks after the recovery of infection. The first postnatal echo was performed within the first 2 weeks and the follow-up (second) echo was performed in the 6-8 weeks of life. RESULTS The demographic data were similar between groups. Interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall end-diastolic dimensions were significantly higher in the study group in both fetal, neonatal, and infant periods. Impaired diastolic functions of right and left ventricles were detected and myocardial performance indexes with tissue doppler imaging of both lateral walls and septum were significantly higher than controls at all periods. CONCLUSION Maternal COVID-19 seems to have a global impact on the cardiac functions of babies in the short and mid-term periods after maternal recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Özdemir Şahan
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bedri Sakcak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Şule Göncü Ayhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Memorial Bahcelievler Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Atakan Tanaçan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Esin Kibar Gül
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dilek Şahin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İbrahim İlker Çetin
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Verma A, Suryawanshi P, Chetan C, Oka G, Singh Y, Kallimath A, Singh P, Garegrat R. A detailed echocardiographic evaluation of ventricular functions in stable full term small for gestational age babies. J Ultrasound 2023; 26:117-127. [PMID: 35616853 PMCID: PMC10063694 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-022-00691-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE SGA infants with fetal growth restriction have reduced ability to adapt themselves to the postnatal life because of certain epigenetic changes in cardiac function. The aim of the present study is to assess and compare the cardiac functions of fetal growth restricted SGA newborns to the term stable AGA newborns, and evaluate any differences in the cardiac functions during the postnatal transitional circulation. METHOD This observational study was conducted at a multispecialty tertiary care hospital in Western India from June to November 2021. The newborns were evaluated using bedside echocardiography at 24-48 h and repeat screening after 48 h. The echocardiographic assessment of the systolic function was done using EF, FS, FAC and TAPSE; diastolic function using E/A wave ratio and global functioning using LV MPI. RESULT Twnety-four babies were included in cases and 30 in the control arm of the study. Maternal and newborn characteristics were comparable between the two groups. FS, EF for left ventricle and TAPSE, FAC for right ventricular systolic function were significantly lower in SGA group (p = 0.02, 0.02, 0.00 and 0.01; respectively). The current study revealed a lower tricuspid E/A ratio and higher mitral E/A ratio with a significant difference beyond 48 h in the first week of life (p value 0.00). Left ventricular MPI was significantly higher in SGA infants compared to AGA infants during two subsequent readings in immediate newborn period with p values 0.01 and 0.02 respectively. The subgroup analysis revealed that fetal growth-restricted neonates with absent end-diastolic flow had a greater impact on ventricular functions. CONCLUSION Present study showed a significant systolic and diastolic dysfunction during initial newborn period in growth restricted SGA infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Verma
- Department of Neonatology, Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pradeep Suryawanshi
- Department of Neonatology, Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Chinmay Chetan
- Department of Neonatology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Gauri Oka
- Department of Research, Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Yogen Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Aditya Kallimath
- Department of Neonatology, Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pari Singh
- Department of Neonatology, Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Reema Garegrat
- Department of Neonatology, Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Korada S, Jebbia MR, Pavlek LR. Linking the Perinatal Environment to Neonatal Cardiovascular Outcomes. Neoreviews 2022; 23:e400-e408. [PMID: 35641456 DOI: 10.1542/neo.23-6-e400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cases of high-risk pregnancies continue to rise throughout the United States and globally, increasing rates of maternal and neonatal morbidity. Common pregnancy complications and morbidities include preterm birth, hypertensive disorders, fetal growth restriction, diabetes mellitus, and chorioamnionitis. Exposure to these perinatal conditions contributes to cardiac morbidities in the fetus and neonate, including altered cardiac growth, congenital heart disease, and cardiac dysfunction. Significant research has demonstrated lasting effects of these pregnancy complications, with increased rates of cardiac morbidities seen in children and adults after these perinatal exposures. The link between the perinatal environment and long-term outcomes has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this review is to discuss the current understanding of the implications of a high-risk pregnancy on fetal and neonatal cardiac development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saichidroopi Korada
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Maria R Jebbia
- Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Leeann R Pavlek
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.,Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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Impact of intrauterine growth restriction on cerebral and renal oxygenation and perfusion during the first 3 days after birth. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5067. [PMID: 35332251 PMCID: PMC8948256 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09199-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with a higher incidence of perinatal complications as well as cardiovascular and renal diseases later on. A better insight into the disease mechanisms underlying these sequalae is important in order to identify which IUGR infants are at a higher risk and find strategies to improve their outcome. In this prospective case–control study we examined whether IUGR had any effect on renal and cerebral perfusion and oxygen saturation in term neonates. We integrated near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), echocardiographic, Doppler and renal function data of 105 IUGR infants and 105 age/gender-matched controls. Cerebral and renal regional oxygen saturation values were measured by NIRS during the first 12 h after birth. Echocardiography alongside Doppler assessment of renal and anterior cerebral arteries were performed at 6, 24, 48 and 72 h of age. Glomerular and tubular functions were also assessed. We found a left ventricular dysfunction together with a higher cerebral oxygen saturation and perfusion values in the IUGR group. IUGR term infants showed a higher renal oxygen saturation and a reduced oxygen extraction together with a subclinical renal damage, as indicated by higher values of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and microalbumin. These data suggest that some of the haemodynamic changes present in growth-restricted foetuses may persist postnatally. The increased cerebral oxygenation may suggest an impaired transition to normal autoregulation as a consequence of intra-uterine chronic hypoxia. The higher renal oxygenation may reflect a reduced renal oxygen consumption due to a subclinical kidney damage.
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Oliveira M, Dias JP, Guedes-Martins L. Fetal Cardiac Function: Myocardial Performance Index. Curr Cardiol Rev 2022; 18:e271221199505. [PMID: 34961451 PMCID: PMC9893141 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x18666211227145856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Myocardial Performance Index (MPI) or Tei index, presented by Tei in 1995, is the ratio of the sum of the duration of the isovolumetric contraction time (ICT) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) to the duration of the ejection time (ET). The Modified Myocardial Performance Index (Mod-MPI), proposed in 2005, is considered a reliable and useful tool in the study of fetal heart function in several conditions, such as growth restriction, twin-twin transfusion syndrome, maternal diabetes, preeclampsia, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and adverse perinatal outcomes. Nevertheless, clinical translation is currently limited by poorly standardised methodology as variations in the technique, machine settings, caliper placement, and specific training required can result in significantly different MPI values. This review aims to provide a survey of the relevant literature on MPI, present a strict methodology and technical considerations, and propose future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Oliveira
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Portela Dias
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar do Porto EPE, Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
- Unidade de Investigação e Formação, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Guedes-Martins
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar do Porto EPE, Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
- Unidade de Investigação e Formação, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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Vats K, Choudhary SK, Kumar D, Maria A, Bandopadhyay T. Myocardial performance index in term appropriate and small for gestational age neonates - a cross sectional study. J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2021; 14:485-491. [PMID: 33523027 DOI: 10.3233/npm-200621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is known that small for gestational age (SGA) babies may be at an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases during adulthood. There is paucity of literature regarding comparative cardiac functions of SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) babies in neonatal period. The present study was conceived to compare the cardiac function of term small and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) babies through a relatively novel echocardiographic index in early neonatal period. OBJECTIVES To compare values of myocardial performance index (MPI) index (MPI = IVCT + IVRT/ET) at 48-72 hours of age among AGA and SGA babies. METHODS Morphological and anthropometric assessment of serially born term babies was done at time of birth to recruit hundred each of AGA and SGA babies. Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) was done between 48-72 hours for each enrolled baby to assess both right and left ventricle MPI in each group. RESULTS Mean±SD values for right ventricular MPI in AGA and SGA groups were 0.268 + 0.007 and 0.30 + 0.026 respectively (p < 0.001). Mean±SD values for left ventricular MPI in AGA and SGA groups were 0.25 + 0.012 and 0.30 + 0.017 respectively (p < 0.001). There was significant negative correlation between MPI values for either ventricles and the birth weight (spearmen's rho of -0.66) (p < 0.001). Mean±SD values for LVET in AGA and SGA group were 0.304 + 0.026 and 0.266 + 0.032 respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION MPI had a higher absolute value in the SGA babies as compared to AGA babies. These observations point towards suboptimal cardiac performance among SGA babies as compared to AGA babies on the basis of myocardial performance index.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Vats
- Department of Pediatrics, ABVIMS & RML Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - S K Choudhary
- Department of Neonatology, ABVIMS & DR. RML Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - D Kumar
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, ABVIMS & DR. RML Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - A Maria
- Department of Neonatology, ABVIMS & DR. RML Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - T Bandopadhyay
- Department of Neonatology, ABVIMS & DR. RML Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Echocardiographic assessment of fetal cardiac function in the uterine artery ligation rat model of IUGR. Pediatr Res 2021; 90:801-808. [PMID: 33504964 PMCID: PMC8566221 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01356-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) leads to cardiac dysfunction and adverse remodeling of the fetal heart, as well as a higher risk of postnatal cardiovascular diseases. The rat model of IUGR, via uterine artery ligation, is a popular model but its cardiac sequelae is not well investigated. Here, we performed an echocardiographic evaluation of its cardiac function to determine how well it can represent the disease in humans. METHODS Unilateral uterine artery ligation was performed at embryonic day 17 (E17) and echocardiography was performed at E19 and E20. RESULTS Growth-restricted fetuses were significantly smaller and lighter, and had an higher placenta-to-fetus weight ratio. Growth-restricted fetal hearts had reduced wall thickness-to-diameter ratio, indicating left ventricular (LV) dilatation, and they had elevated trans-mitral and trans-tricuspid E/A ratios and reduced left and right ventricular fractional shortening (FS), suggesting systolic and diastolic dysfunction. These were similar to human IUGR fetuses. However, growth-restricted rat fetuses did not demonstrate head-sparing effect, displayed a lower LV myocardial performance index, and ventricular outflow velocities were not significantly reduced, which were dissimilar to human IUGR fetuses. CONCLUSIONS Despite the differences, our results suggest that this IUGR model has significant cardiac dysfunction, and could be a suitable model for studying IUGR cardiovascular physiology. IMPACT Animal models of IUGR are useful, but their fetal cardiac function is not well studied, and it is unclear if they can represent human IUGR fetuses. We performed an echocardiographic assessment of the heart function of a fetal rat model of IUGR, created via maternal uterine artery ligation. Similar to humans, the model displayed LV dilatation, elevated E/A ratios, and reduced FS. Different from humans, the model displayed reduced MPI, and no significant outflow velocity reduction. Despite differences with humans, this rat model still displayed cardiac dysfunction and is suitable for studying IUGR cardiovascular physiology.
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Asthma prevalence, lung and cardiovascular function in adolescents born preterm. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19616. [PMID: 33184335 PMCID: PMC7661536 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76614-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Our main objective was to study respiratory evolution and pulmonary and cardiac function in adolescents born preterm in the post-surfactant era. Observational cross-sectional study, comparing very preterm (< 32 weeks) and moderately-late preterm adolescents (≥ 32 weeks) (74 each group). We recorded respiratory symptoms, spirometry and functional echocardiogram. Very preterm adolescents required more respiratory admissions (45.9% vs. 28.4%) (p = 0.03, OR 2.1, CI95% 1.1–4.2) and had more current asthma (21.6% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.04, OR 2.3, CI95% 1.1–5.2). Preterm subjects with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) presented lower FEV1 (88.7 ± 13.9 vs. 95.9 ± 13.3, p = 0.027) and lower FVC (88.2 ± 13.6 vs. 95.5 ± 13.3, p = 0.025). When assessing right ventricle, very preterm showed a greater E/E’ ratio (p = 0.02) and longer myocardial performance index (MPI) (p = 0.001). Adolescents with IUGR showed less shortening fraction (p = 0.016), worse E/E′ ratio (p = 0.029) and longer MPI (p = 0.06). Regarding left ventricle, very preterm showed less E′ wave velocity (p = 0.03), greater E/E′ ratio (p = 0.005) and longer MPI (p < 0.001). Gestational age < 32 weeks is independently associated with current asthma in adolescence. Children 13–14 years old born very preterm required more respiratory admissions and had poorer diastolic and global function of both ventricles. IUGR is a risk factor for poorer lung function in preterm adolescents, regardless gestational age.
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Kumar P, Morton JS, Shah A, Do V, Sergi C, Serrano‐Lomelin J, Davidge ST, Beker D, Levasseur J, Hornberger LK. Intrauterine exposure to chronic hypoxia in the rat leads to progressive diastolic function and increased aortic stiffness from early postnatal developmental stages. Physiol Rep 2020; 8:e14327. [PMID: 31960611 PMCID: PMC6971413 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM We sought to explore whether fetal hypoxia exposure, an insult of placental insufficiency, is associated with left ventricular dysfunction and increased aortic stiffness at early postnatal ages. METHODS Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to hypoxic conditions (11.5% FiO2 ) from embryonic day E15-21 or normoxic conditions (controls). After delivery, left ventricular function and aortic pulse wave velocity (measure of aortic stiffness) were assessed longitudinally by echocardiography from day 1 through week 8. A mixed ANOVA with repeated measures was performed to compare findings between groups across time. Myocardial hematoxylin and eosin and picro-sirius staining were performed to evaluate myocyte nuclear shape and collagen fiber characteristics, respectively. RESULTS Systolic function parameters transiently increased following hypoxia exposure primarily at week 2 (p < .008). In contrast, diastolic dysfunction progressed following fetal hypoxia exposure beginning weeks 1-2 with lower early inflow Doppler velocities, and less of an increase in early to late inflow velocity ratios and annular and septal E'/A' tissue velocities compared to controls (p < .008). As further evidence of altered diastolic function, isovolumetric relaxation time was significantly shorter relative to the cardiac cycle following hypoxia exposure from week 1 onward (p < .008). Aortic stiffness was greater following hypoxia from day 1 through week 8 (p < .008, except week 4). Hypoxia exposure was also associated with altered nuclear shape at week 2 and increased collagen fiber thickness at week 4. CONCLUSION Chronic fetal hypoxia is associated with progressive LV diastolic dysfunction, which corresponds with changes in nuclear shape and collagen fiber thickness, and increased aortic stiffness from early postnatal stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Kumar
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of PediatricsUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
- Women and Children’s Health Research InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Jude S. Morton
- Women and Children’s Health Research InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
- Department of Obstetrics/GynecologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
- Cardiovascular Research Institute and Mazankowski Alberta Heart InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Amin Shah
- Women and Children’s Health Research InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
- Department of Obstetrics/GynecologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
- Cardiovascular Research Institute and Mazankowski Alberta Heart InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Victor Do
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of PediatricsUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
- Women and Children’s Health Research InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Consolato Sergi
- Cardiovascular Research Institute and Mazankowski Alberta Heart InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Jesus Serrano‐Lomelin
- Women and Children’s Health Research InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
- Department of Obstetrics/GynecologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Sandra T. Davidge
- Women and Children’s Health Research InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
- Department of Obstetrics/GynecologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
- Cardiovascular Research Institute and Mazankowski Alberta Heart InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Donna Beker
- Cardiovascular Research Institute and Mazankowski Alberta Heart InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Jody Levasseur
- Cardiovascular Research Institute and Mazankowski Alberta Heart InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Lisa K. Hornberger
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of PediatricsUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
- Women and Children’s Health Research InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
- Department of Obstetrics/GynecologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
- Cardiovascular Research Institute and Mazankowski Alberta Heart InstituteUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
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12
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Patey O, Carvalho JS, Thilaganathan B. Perinatal changes in cardiac geometry and function in growth-restricted fetuses at term. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2019; 53:655-662. [PMID: 30084123 DOI: 10.1002/uog.19193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of fetal growth restriction (FGR) at term on fetal and neonatal cardiac geometry and function. METHODS This was a prospective study of 87 pregnant women delivering at term, comprising 54 normally grown and 33 FGR pregnancies. Fetal and neonatal conventional and spectral tissue Doppler and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography were performed a few days before and within hours after birth. Fetal cardiac geometry, global myocardial deformation and performance and systolic and diastolic function were compared between normal and FGR pregnancies before and after birth. RESULTS Compared with normally grown fetuses, FGR fetuses exhibited more globular ventricular geometry and poorer myocardial deformation and cardiac function (left ventricular (LV) sphericity index (SI), 0.54 vs 0.49; right ventricular (RV) SI, 0.60 vs 0.54; LV torsion, 1.2 °/cm vs 3.0 °/cm; LV isovolumetric contraction time normalized by cardiac cycle length, 121 ms vs 104 ms; interventricular septum early diastolic myocardial peak velocity/atrial contraction myocardial diastolic peak velocity ratio, 0.60 vs 0.71; P < 0.01 for all). The poorest perinatal outcomes occurred in FGR fetuses with the most impaired cardiac functional indices. When compared with normally grown neonates, FGR neonates showed persistent alteration in cardiac parameters (LV-SI, 0.53 vs 0.50; RV-SI, 0.54 vs 0.44; LV torsion, 1.1 °/cm vs 1.4 °/cm; LV myocardial performance index (MPI'), 0.52 vs 0.42; P < 0.01 for all). Paired comparison of fetal vs neonatal cardiac indices in FGR demonstrated that birth was associated with a significant improvement in some, but not all, cardiac indices (RV-SI, 0.60 vs 0.54; RV-MPI', 0.49 vs 0.39; P < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSIONS Compared with normal pregnancies, FGR fetuses and neonates at term exhibit altered cardiac indices indicative of myocardial impairment that reflect adaptation to placental hypoxemia and alterations in hemodynamic load around the time of birth. Elucidating potential mechanisms that contribute to the alterations in perinatal cardiac adaptation in FGR could improve management and aid the development of better therapeutic strategies to reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Patey
- Molecular & Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Brompton Centre for Fetal Cardiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - J S Carvalho
- Molecular & Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Brompton Centre for Fetal Cardiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - B Thilaganathan
- Molecular & Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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13
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Méndez-Abad P, Zafra-Rodríguez P, Lubián-López S, Benavente-Fernández I. Myocardial Function Maturation in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants and Development of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:556. [PMID: 32010652 PMCID: PMC6978685 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Myocardial function in very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs) develops during early postnatal life, but different patterns of temporal evolution that might be related to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are not completely understood. Methods: A prospective cohort study including VLBWIs admitted to our NICU from January 2015 to 2017 was conducted. Plasma N-terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) levels were measured, and echocardiograms were performed at 24 and 72 h of life and weekly thereafter until 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA). We measured the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) by M-mode; the lateral tricuspid E', A', and S' waves; and the myocardial performance index (MPI) by tissue doppler imaging (TDI). The subjects were divided into non-BPD and BPD groups. Results: We included 101 VLBWIs. The TAPSE and E', A', and S' waves increased while MPI-TDI decreased over time. Birth gestational age (GA) and postnatal PMA impacted these parameters, which evolved differently in those who developed BPD compared to those in the non-BPD group. The NTproBNP levels at 14 days of life and different echocardiographic parameters were associated with the development of BPD in different multivariate models. Conclusion: TAPSE and TDI values depend on GA and PMA and follow a different temporal evolution that is related to the later development of BPD. Combined biochemical and echocardiographic biomarkers can help identify which VLBWIs are at higher risk of developing BDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Méndez-Abad
- Department of Neonatology, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedical Sciences (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Pamela Zafra-Rodríguez
- Department of Neonatology, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedical Sciences (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Simón Lubián-López
- Department of Neonatology, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedical Sciences (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Isabel Benavente-Fernández
- Department of Neonatology, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedical Sciences (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
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14
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Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction is one of the most common obstetric conditions, affecting 7-10% of fetuses. Affected fetuses are actually exposed in utero to an adverse environment during the highly critical time of development and may face life-long health consequences such as increased cardiovascular risk in adulthood. Already in utero, fetuses affected by growth restriction show remodeled hearts with signs of systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Cardiovascular remodeling persist into postnatal life, from the neonatal period to adolescence, suggesting a primary fetal cardiac programming that might explain the increased cardiovascular risk later in life. In this review we summarize the current evidence on fetal cardiovascular programming in fetuses affected by growth restriction, its consequences later and possible strategies from which they could benefit to reduce their cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Crispi
- Fetal Medicine Research Center, BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), ICGON, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Francesca Crovetto
- Fetal Medicine Research Center, BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), ICGON, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Eduard Gratacos
- Fetal Medicine Research Center, BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), ICGON, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Barcelona, Spain.
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15
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Sehgal A, Gwini SM, Menahem S, Allison BJ, Miller SL, Polglase GR. Preterm growth restriction and bronchopulmonary dysplasia: the vascular hypothesis and related physiology. J Physiol 2018; 597:1209-1220. [PMID: 29746007 DOI: 10.1113/jp276040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Approximately 5-10% pregnancies are affected by fetal growth restriction. Preterm infants affected by fetal growth restriction have a higher incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The present study is the first to measure pulmonary artery thickness and stiffness. The findings show that impaired vasculogenesis may be a contributory factor in the higher incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm growth restricted infants. The study addresses the mechanistic link between fetal programming and vascular architecture and mechanics. ABSTRACT Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is the most common respiratory sequelae of prematurity and histopathologically features fewer, dysmorphic pulmonary arteries. The present study aimed to characterize pulmonary artery mechanics and cardiac function in preterm infants with fetal growth restriction (FGR) compared to those appropriate for gestational age (AGA) in the early neonatal period. This prospective study reviewed 40 preterm infants between 28 to 32 weeks gestational age (GA). Twenty infants had a birthweight <10th centile and were compared with 20 preterm AGA infants. A single high resolution echocardiogram was performed to measure right pulmonary arterial and right ventricular (RV) indices. The GA and birthweight of FGR and AGA infants were 29.8 ± 1.3 vs. 30 ± 0.9 weeks (P = 0.78) and 923.4 g ± 168 vs. 1403 g ± 237 (P < 0.001), respectively. Assessments were made at 10.5 ± 1.3 days after birth. The FGR infants had significantly thicker right pulmonary artery inferior wall (843.5 ± 68 vs. 761 ± 40 μm, P < 0.001) with reduced pulsatility (51.6 ± 7.6 μm vs. 59.7 ± 7.5 μm, P = 0.001). The RV contractility [fractional area change (28.7 ± 3.8% vs 32.5 ± 3.1%, P = 0.001), tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion (TAPSE) (5.2 ± 0.3% vs. 5.9 ± 0.7%, P = 0.0002) and myocardial performance index (0.35 ± 0.03 vs. 0.28 ± 0.02, P < 0.001)] was significantly impaired in FGR infants. Significant correlation between RV longitudinal contractility (TAPSE) and time to peak velocity/RV ejection time (measure of RV afterload) was noted (r2 = 0.5, P < 0.001). Altered pulmonary vascular mechanics and cardiac performance reflect maladaptive changes in response to utero-placental insufficiency. Whether managing pulmonary vascular disease will alter clinical outcomes remains to be studied prospectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Sehgal
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stella M Gwini
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Samuel Menahem
- Emeritus Head, Paediatric and Foetal Cardiac Units, Monash Medical Centre, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Beth J Allison
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Suzanne L Miller
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Graeme R Polglase
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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16
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Ha KS, Choi BM, Lee EH, Shin J, Cho HJ, Jang GY, Son CS. Chronological Echocardiographic Changes in Healthy Term Neonates within Postnatal 72 Hours Using Doppler Studies. J Korean Med Sci 2018; 33:e155. [PMID: 29805338 PMCID: PMC5966372 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated echocardiographic changes in full-term healthy neonates during early transitional period from postnatal 0-72 hours at 12-hour intervals by echocardiography. METHODS This was a prospective, observational, and longitudinal single-center cohort study. Morphometric, functional, systolic, diastolic, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) parameters (patent ductus arteriosus [PDA], aorta, superior vena cava [SVC], stroke volume [SV], cardiac output [CO], cardiac index [CI], early diastolic flow velocity [E], late diastolic flow velocity [A], early filling in TDI [E'], peak systolic annular velocity in TDI [S'], late velocity peak in TDI [A'], and myocardial performance index [MPI]) were evaluated in left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) with 56 newborns. RESULTS Sizes and peak velocities of PDA before postnatal 24 hours were significantly changed than those after postnatal 24 hours. Aortic velocity time integral (VTI), systolic blood pressure (BP), LV SV/kg, LV CO/kg, LV CI, and SVC flow/LV CO before 24 hours showed significantly changes than those after 24 hours. Also, LV and RV MPI before 24 hours were significantly higher than those after 24 hours. LV E/E' was significantly higher than RV E/E'. CONCLUSION Postnatal 24 hours is critical time for hemodynamic closure of PDA because aortic VTI, systolic BP, LV SV, LV CO, LV CI, and SVC flow/LV CO showed simultaneously significant changes after 24 hours at the same time as 24 hours of physiological closure of PDA. Chronological and dramatic changes of systolic, diastolic, and TDI parameters during early postnatal period can be used to compile normal baseline data of healthy full-term neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kee Soo Ha
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung Min Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Eun Hee Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeonghee Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Gi Young Jang
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Chang Sung Son
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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17
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Crispi F, Miranda J, Gratacós E. Long-term cardiovascular consequences of fetal growth restriction: biology, clinical implications, and opportunities for prevention of adult disease. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 218:S869-S879. [PMID: 29422215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the modern world, cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women. Epidemiologic studies consistently have suggested an association between low birthweight and/or fetal growth restriction and increased rate of cardiovascular mortality in adulthood. Furthermore, experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that sustained nutrient and oxygen restriction that are associated with fetal growth restriction activate adaptive cardiovascular changes that might explain this association. Fetal growth restriction results in metabolic programming that may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and, consequently, of cardiovascular morbidity in the adult. In addition, fetal growth restriction is strongly associated with fetal cardiac and arterial remodeling and a subclinical state of cardiovascular dysfunction. The cardiovascular effects ocurring in fetal life, includes cardiac morphology changes, subclinical myocardial dysfunction, arterial remodeling, and impaired endothelial function, persist into childhood and adolescence. Importantly, these changes have been described in all clinical presentations of fetal growth restriction, from severe early- to milder late-onset forms. In this review we summarize the current evidence on the cardiovascular effects of fetal growth restriction, from subcellular to organ structure and function as well as from fetal to early postnatal life. Future research needs to elucidate whether and how early life cardiovascular remodeling persists into adulthood and determines the increased cardiovascular mortality rate described in epidemiologic studies.
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18
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Kumar M, Santhanam S, Thomas N, Jana AK. A prospective observational study comparing cardiac function of small for gestational age with appropriate for gestational age babies using serial echocardiographic studies. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2018; 32:2194-2199. [PMID: 29338497 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2018.1429392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 30% of babies born in India are low birth weight (LBW) and about 70% of LBW babies are small for gestational age (SGA). Though there are several trials that have evaluated cardiac function of intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) babies in utero, there is limited data about postnatal cardiac function in SGA babies during early neonatal period. This study was conducted to evaluate the cardiac functions of SGA babies by serial echocardiographic measurements and compare this with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) babies during the early postnatal period. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy babies were enrolled in this prospective observational study with 35 each in the SGA and AGA groups. Echocardiography was performed for all babies on days 1, 2, and 3 of life. Myocardial performance index (MPI) was used as the primary measure to compare cardiac function. MPI was calculated for both ventricles using pulse wave Doppler and tissue Doppler. RESULTS MPI of the left ventricle was significantly higher in the SGA group as compared to AGA babies during all the three measurement periods with SGA babies having significantly higher MPI of right ventricle on day 1 and day 2 but not on day 3. Left ventricular internal diameter index during diastole and systole (LVIDD index and LVIDS index), left atrium: aortic root ratio (LA:AO ratio) were significantly increased in SGA babies on all the occasions. Fractional shortening, ejection fraction, and area shortening were similar in two groups. CONCLUSIONS Myocardial performance index of left and right ventricle, which evaluates both systolic and diastolic function of ventricles, was significantly increased in SGA babies in comparison to AGA babies during the first 3 days of life except MPI of the right ventricle on day 3. Thus, SGA babies have compromised cardiac function through all phases of the cardiac cycle with the performance improving spontaneously over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- a Department of Neonatology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - Sridhar Santhanam
- a Department of Neonatology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - Niranjan Thomas
- a Department of Neonatology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
| | - Atanu Kumar Jana
- a Department of Neonatology , Christian Medical College , Vellore , India
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19
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Breatnach CR, Monteith C, McSweeney L, Tully EC, Malone FD, Kent E, Doherty A, Franklin O, El-Khuffash A. The Impact of Maternal Gestational Hypertension and the Use of Anti-Hypertensives on Neonatal Myocardial Performance. Neonatology 2018; 113:21-26. [PMID: 28954269 DOI: 10.1159/000480396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of myocardial performance in neonates using advanced techniques such as deformation imaging and rotational mechanics has gained considerable interest. The applicability of these techniques for elucidating abnormal myocardial performance in various clinical scenarios is becoming established. We hypothesise that term infants born to mothers with gestational hypertension (GH) may experience impaired performance of the left and right ventricles during the early neonatal period. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess left and right ventricular (LV and RV) function using echocardiography in infants born to mothers with GH and compare them to a control group. METHODS Term infants (>36+6 weeks) born to mothers with GH underwent assessment to measure biventricular function using ejection fraction (EF), deformation imaging, left-ventricle rotational mechanics (apical rotation, basal rotation, twist, twist rate, and untwist rate), and right ventricle-specific functional parameters (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and fractional area change) in the first 48 h after birth. A control group comprising infants born to healthy mothers was used for comparison. RESULTS Fifteen infants with maternal GH and 30 age-matched controls were enrolled. The GH infants exhibited no differences in birthweight or LV or RV length, but they had lower EF (54 vs. 61%; p < 0.01), LV global longitudinal strain (-20 vs. -25%; p < 0.01), and LV twist (11 vs. 16°; p = 0.04). There were no differences in any of the RV functional parameters. CONCLUSION Infants born to mothers with GH exhibited lower LV function than healthy controls, while RV function appeared to be preserved. This relationship warrants further exploration in a larger cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm R Breatnach
- Departmens of Neonatology, The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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20
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Nestaas E, Schubert U, de Boode WP, El-Khuffash A. Tissue Doppler velocity imaging and event timings in neonates: a guide to image acquisition, measurement, interpretation, and reference values. Pediatr Res 2018; 84:18-29. [PMID: 30072806 PMCID: PMC6257218 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-018-0079-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Neonatologists can use echocardiography for real-time assessment of the hemodynamic state of neonates to support clinical decision-making. There is a large body of evidence showing the shortcomings of conventional echocardiographic indices in neonates. Newer imaging modalities have evolved. Tissue Doppler imaging is a new technique that can provide measurements of myocardial movement and timing of myocardial events and may overcome some of the shortcomings of conventional techniques. The high time resolution and its ability to assess left and right cardiac function make tissue Doppler a favorable technique for assessing heart function in neonates. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of tissue Doppler techniques for the assessment of cardiac function in the neonatal context, with focus on measurements from the atrioventricular (AV) plane. We discuss basic concepts, protocol for assessment, feasibility, and limitations, and we report reference values and give examples of its use in neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirik Nestaas
- 0000 0004 1936 8921grid.5510.1Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway ,0000 0004 0389 8485grid.55325.34Department of Cardiology and Center for Cardiological Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway ,0000 0004 0627 3659grid.417292.bDepartment of Paediatrics, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Ulf Schubert
- 0000 0004 1937 0626grid.4714.6Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Willem P. de Boode
- grid.461578.9Department of Neonatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Afif El-Khuffash
- 0000 0004 0617 7587grid.416068.dDepartment of Neonatology, The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland ,0000 0004 0488 7120grid.4912.eDepartment of Pediatrics, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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21
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Sehgal A, Crispi F, Skilton MR, de Boode WP. Clinician performed ultrasound in fetal growth restriction: fetal, neonatal and pediatric aspects. J Perinatol 2017; 37:1251-1258. [PMID: 28837134 DOI: 10.1038/jp.2017.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 7-10% pregnancies. Conventional and tissue Doppler imaging has noted cardiac compromise during fetal and early neonatal periods in this cohort. In this article, we discuss the use of salient ultrasound parameters across age groups. During fetal life, certain feto-placental sonographic parameters have been linked to adverse perinatal outcomes and are predictive of later life hypertension. During the early postnatal period altered morphometry (hypertrophied and globular hearts) with sub-clinical impairment of cardiac function has been noted in both term and preterm infants with FGR. Vascular imaging has noted thickened and stiffer arteries in association with significantly elevated blood pressure. Similar findings in the pediatric age groups indicate persistence of these alterations, and have formed the basis of intervention studies. Assessment methodology and clinical relevance of these parameters, especially in designing and monitoring of intervention strategies is discussed. Frontline care givers (obstetricians and neonatologists) are increasingly using point of care ultrasound to discern these manifestations of FGR during the sub-clinical phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sehgal
- Neonatologist, Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - F Crispi
- BCNatal-Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), Boden Institute, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, and Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M R Skilton
- The Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise & Eating Disorders, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - W-P de Boode
- Department of Neonatology, Radboudumc Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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22
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Sehgal A, Allison BJ, Gwini SM, Miller SL, Polglase GR. Cardiac Morphology and Function in Preterm Growth Restricted Infants: Relevance for Clinical Sequelae. J Pediatr 2017; 188:128-134.e2. [PMID: 28662946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.05.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess cardiac morphology and function in preterm infants with fetal growth restriction (FGR) compared with an appropriate for gestational age cohort, and to ascertain clinical correlation with neonatal sequelae. STUDY DESIGN With informed consent, 20 infants born between 28 and 32 weeks of gestational age and birthweight (BW) <10th percentile were compared using conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography with 20 preterm appropriate for gestational age infants. Total duration of respiratory support was recorded. RESULTS The gestational age and BW of the infants with FGR and appropriate for gestational age infants were 29.8 ± 1.3 weeks vs 30 ± 0.9 weeks (P = .78) and 923.4 ± 168 g vs 1403 ± 237 g (P < .001), respectively. Preterm infants with FGR had significantly greater interventricular septal hypertrophy, greater free wall thickening, and lower sphericity indices (1.53 ± 0.15 vs 1.88 ± 0.2; P < .001), signifying globular and hypertrophied hearts. The transmitral E/A ratio and isovolumic relaxation time, markers of diastolic function, were significantly increased in the FGR cohort (0.84 ± 0.05 vs 0.78 ± 0.03 [P < .001] and 61.4 ± 4.1 ms vs 53.2 ± 3.2 ms [P < .001], respectively). Ejection fraction, as measured by the rate corrected mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening was reduced (1.93 ± 0.4 circ/second vs 2.77 ± 0.5 circ/second; P < .001) in the FGR cohort. On follow-up, the total duration of respiratory support was significantly longer in the FGR cohort, and correlated with tissue Doppler E/E' (r = 0.65; P = .001), mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (r = -0.64; P = .001) and mitral annular peak systolic excursion (r = -0.57; P = .008). CONCLUSIONS Preterm infants with FGR have altered cardiac function evident within days after birth, which is associated with respiratory sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Sehgal
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Beth J Allison
- The Ritchie Center, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stella M Gwini
- Department of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suzanne L Miller
- The Ritchie Center, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graeme R Polglase
- The Ritchie Center, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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23
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Alsaied T, Omar K, James JF, Hinton RB, Crombleholme TM, Habli M. Fetal origins of adult cardiac disease: a novel approach to prevent fetal growth restriction induced cardiac dysfunction using insulin like growth factor. Pediatr Res 2017; 81:919-925. [PMID: 28099426 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2017.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a risk factor for adult cardiovascular disease. Intraplacental gene transfer of human insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) corrects birth weight in our mouse model of FGR. This study addresses long term effects of FGR on cardiac function and the potential preventive effect of IGF-1. STUDY DESIGN Laparotomy was performed on pregnant C57BL/6J mice at embryonic day 18 and pups were divided into three groups: Sham operated; FGR (induced by mesenteric uterine artery ligation); treatment (intraplacental injection of IGF-1 after uterine artery ligation). Pups were followed until 32 wk of life. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed starting at 12 wk. RESULTS Systolic cardiac function was significantly impaired in the FGR group with reduced fractional shortening compared with sham and treatment group starting at week 12 of life (20 ± 4 vs. 31 ± 5 vs. 32 ± 5, respectively, n = 12 for each group; P < 0.001) with no difference between the sham and treatment groups. CONCLUSION Intraplacental gene transfer of IGF-1 prevents FGR induced cardiac dysfunction. This suggests that in utero therapy may positively impact cardiac remodeling and prevent adult cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Alsaied
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Heart Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Khaled Omar
- Colorado Fetal Care Center, Division of Pediatric General Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | - Jeanne F James
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Heart Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Robert B Hinton
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Heart Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Timothy M Crombleholme
- Colorado Fetal Care Center, Division of Pediatric General Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | - Mounira Habli
- Center for Molecular Fetal Therapy, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Department of General and Thoracic Pediatric Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Bokiniec R, Własienko P, Borszewska-Kornacka M, Szymkiewicz-Dangel J. Echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular function in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Echocardiography 2017; 34:577-586. [PMID: 28229480 DOI: 10.1111/echo.13489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate right ventricular function in preterm infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. METHODS Eighty-nine preterm infants (<32 weeks) were divided into three groups: (1) no-bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n=32); (2) mild-bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n=35); (3) severe-bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n=15). Right ventricular echocardiographic parameters included the following: (1) pulsed-wave Doppler through the tricuspid valve (E/A ratio), pulmonary artery acceleration time, right ventricular ejection time, right ventricular velocity-time integral; (2) tissue Doppler measurements of myocardial velocities and atrioventricular conduction times; (3) pulsed-wave Doppler and tissue Doppler evaluation of myocardial performance index and E/E' ratio; and (4) M-mode detection of right ventricular end-diastolic wall diameter. RESULTS The severe-bronchopulmonary dysplasia group had higher mean right ventricular myocardial performance index (on the 28th day of life by pulsed-wave Doppler) than the no-bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P=.014) or mild-bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P=.031) groups; no differences were found between no-bronchopulmonary dysplasia and mild-bronchopulmonary dysplasia groups (P=.919). A reduction in right ventricular myocardial performance index at later time points was observed in all three groups (P<.05). We found no differences between preterm infants with differing bronchopulmonary dysplasia severity in other right ventricular echocardiographic parameters. CONCLUSION Right ventricular myocardial performance index measured by pulsed-wave Doppler indicates impaired right ventricular function in preterm infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Bokiniec
- Neonatal and Intensive Care Department, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Własienko
- Perinatal Cardiology Unit, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Niewiadomska-Jarosik K, Zamojska J, Zamecznik A, Wosiak A, Jarosik P, Stańczyk J. Myocardial dysfunction in children with intrauterine growth restriction: an echocardiographic study. Cardiovasc J Afr 2016; 28:36-39. [PMID: 27925013 PMCID: PMC5514352 DOI: 10.5830/cvja-2016-053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The prevalence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is about 3–10% of live-born newborns and can be as high as 20% in developing countries. It may result in the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases later in life. Methods The aim of this study was echocardiographic evaluation, with the use of conventional and tissue Doppler parameters, of cardiac function in children born with IUGR, and comparison with healthy peers born as normally grown foetuses. Results In the IUGR group, E wave and E/A ratio were significantly lower compared to the control group. A wave, isovolumetric relaxation time, deceleration time, myocardial performance index as well as E/E′ septal and E/E′ lateral indices were significantly higher compared to healthy peers. Conclusion Children with IUGR presented with subclinical myocardial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justyna Zamojska
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Rheumatology, 2nd Chair of Pediatrics, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Agata Zamecznik
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Rheumatology, 2nd Chair of Pediatrics, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wosiak
- Institute of Information Technology, Technical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Jarosik
- Department of Pediatric Cardiosurgery, Polish Mother's Memorial Institute, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jerzy Stańczyk
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Rheumatology, 2nd Chair of Pediatrics, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
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Chen J, Xie L, Dai L, Yu L, Liu L, Zhou Y, Wu G, Qin F, Liu H. Right Heart Function of Fetuses and Infants with Large Ventricular Septal Defect: A Longitudinal Case-Control Study. Pediatr Cardiol 2016; 37:1488-1497. [PMID: 27562129 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-016-1462-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to detect the effect of a large ventricular septal defect (VSD) on right ventricular function before and after birth. All consecutive children with large VSD who were born in our hospital between January 2013-February 2016 and followed up throughout early infancy, and who lacked malformations or chromosomal abnormalities, were identified by a retrospective review of the medical records and included in this retrospective longitudinal case-control study (n = 30). Thirty normal control cases with an equivalent gestational age and gender served as controls. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right ventricle (RV) Tei index, and tricuspid E/E m were measured in the fetal, neonatal (day 1-28), and infant (day 29-70) periods. In all periods, the VSD and control groups did not differ in TAPSE values, but VSD associated with higher Tei indices and tricuspid E/E m values (in the fetal period: VSD group RV Tei was 0.48 ± 0.12 and E/E m was 11.84 ± 1.53, control group RV Tei was 0.42 ± 0.16 and E/E m was 10.16 ± 1.61; in neonatal period: VSD group RV Tei was 0.41 ± 0.17 and E/E m was 12.21 ± 1.59, control group RV Tei was 0.30 ± 0.13 and E/E m was 7.20 ± 1.28; in the infant period: VSD group RV Tei was 0.39 ± 0.09 and E/E m was 11.89 ± 2.80, control group RV Tei was 0.28 ± 0.12 and E/E m was 5.26 ± 1.90, all p < 0.05). In the fetal and neonatal periods, TAPSE correlated negatively with Tei index and tricuspid E/E m in both groups. However, in the infant period, only the control group exhibited correlations between TAPSE and Tei index or tricuspid E/E m. Tei index correlated positively with tricuspid E/E m in both groups in all three periods. The VSD group had smaller correlation coefficients than the control group. Large VSD may already start to impair RV diastolic and global function before birth. This impairment continued and increased after birth. These changes did not associate with obvious RV longitudinal systolic function impairment. Large VSD mainly affected RV function by decreasing diastolic function and myocardial performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Chen
- Department of Ultrasonography, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Xie
- The Vascular Remodeling and Developmental Defects Research Unit, West China Institute of Women and Children's Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Dai
- National Center for Birth Defect Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lijun Liu
- The Vascular Remodeling and Developmental Defects Research Unit, West China Institute of Women and Children's Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongbi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guiying Wu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fengfei Qin
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hanmin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. .,Department of Pediatric Respiratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Human fetal growth restriction: a cardiovascular journey through to adolescence. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2016; 7:626-635. [DOI: 10.1017/s2040174416000337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction has been noted to adversely impact morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period as well as cardiovascular well-being in adolescence and adulthood. Recent data based on a wide range of ultrasound parameters during fetal and neonatal life has noted early and persistent involvement of the cardiovascular system. Some of these measures are predictive of long-term morbidities. Assessment of vascular mechanics is a new and novel concept in this population, and opens up avenues for diagnosis, monitoring and evaluation of the likely effectiveness of interventions. Prevention of these adverse vascular and cardiac outcomes secondary to fetal growth restriction may be feasible and of clinical relevance. This review focuses on growth restriction in humans with respect to cardiovascular remodeling and dysfunction during fetal life, persistence of functional cardiac impairment during early childhood and adolescence, and possible preventive strategies.
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Ciccone MM, Cortese F, Gesualdo M, Di Mauro A, Tafuri S, Mancini G, Angrisani L, Scicchitano P, Laforgia N. The role of very low birth weight and prematurity on cardiovascular disease risk and on kidney development in children: a pilot study. Minerva Pediatr 2016; 72:149-158. [PMID: 27355157 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4946.16.04520-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular and renal disease are nowadays among the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Western Countries. Low birth weight has been recently considered a key factor in determining cardiovascular disease and long-term renal disease in adulthood. METHODS In our study we analyzed, through echocardiography, eco color Doppler of carotid arteries, ultrasound of abdominal aorta and kidneys, morphological characteristics of cardiovascular and renal system, in a group of children born preterm with very low birth weight, (birth weight<1500 grams) and in a group of children, age and sex matched, born at term with weight appropriate for gestational age. Fifteen children born very low birth weight preterm (cases), aged from 3 to 5 years, and 15, age and sex matched children, born appropriate for gestational age at term (controls) were enrolled in the study. RESULTS The two groups were homogeneous for interventricular septum diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left atrial diameter, and ejection fraction. Left ventricular end diastolic diameter was higher in case compared to controls (P=0.04), while aortic diameter root smaller (P=0.005). E and A waves peak velocities and E/A ratio resulted lower in cases compared to controls (P=0.02, P<0.001and P<0.001, respectively). Tei index, S, e' and a' waves velocities were similar in the two groups, while E/e' ratio was higher in cases (P=0.046). Intima-media thickness and antero-posterior diameter of abdominal aorta values did not differ in cases versus controls. Longitudinal diameters of both kidneys were reduced in cases compared to controls (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Although limited by the small sample size, our study highlighted an increased size of the left ventricle and altered left ventricular diastolic function in children born very low birth weight preterm, but no long-term consequences on systolic performance and vascular structure have been found. The finding of smaller kidneys in ex-preterm very low birth weight children could explain their higher susceptibility to develop renal disease in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco M Ciccone
- Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Cortese
- Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy -
| | - Michele Gesualdo
- Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Mauro
- Section of Neonatology and NICU, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Mancini
- Section of Neonatology and NICU, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Lucia Angrisani
- Section of Neonatology and NICU, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Scicchitano
- Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Laforgia
- Section of Neonatology and NICU, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Intrauterine growth restriction: impact on cardiovascular development and function throughout infancy. Pediatr Res 2016; 79:821-30. [PMID: 26866903 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to the situation where a fetus does not grow according to its genetic growth potential. One of the main causes of IUGR is uteroplacental vascular insufficiency. Under these circumstances of chronic oxygen and nutrient deprivation, the growth-restricted fetus often displays typical circulatory changes, which in part represent adaptations to the suboptimal intrauterine environment. These fetal adaptations aim to preserve oxygen and nutrient supply to vital organs such as the brain, the heart, and the adrenals. These prenatal circulatory adaptations are thought to lead to an altered development of the cardiovascular system and "program" the fetus for life long cardiovascular morbidities. In this review, we discuss the alterations to cardiovascular structure, function, and control that have been observed in growth-restricted fetuses, neonates, and infants following uteroplacental vascular insufficiency. We also discuss the current knowledge on early life surveillance and interventions to prevent progression into chronic disease.
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Murase M. Assessing ventricular function in preterm infants using tissue Doppler imaging. Expert Rev Med Devices 2016; 13:325-38. [DOI: 10.1586/17434440.2016.1153966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Cohen E, Baerts W, Alderliesten T, Derks J, Lemmers P, van Bel F. Growth restriction and gender influence cerebral oxygenation in preterm neonates. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2016; 101:F156-61. [PMID: 26311070 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-308843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of fetal growth restriction and gender on cerebral oxygenation in preterm neonates during the first 3 days of life. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, The Netherlands. PATIENTS 68 (41 males) small for gestational age (SGA) (birth weight <10th percentile) and 136 (82 males) appropriate for gestational age (AGA) (birth weight 20th-80th percentile) neonates, matched for gender, gestational age, ventilatory and blood pressure support. METHODS Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) and cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) as measured by near-infrared spectroscopy throughout the first 72 h of life were compared between SGA and AGA neonates. The effect of gender was also explored within these comparisons. RESULTS SGA neonates demonstrated higher rScO2 (71% SEM 0.2 vs 68% SEM 0.2) and lower cFTOE (0.25 SEM 0.002 vs 0.29 SEM 0.002) than AGA neonates. There was an independent effect of gender on rScO2 and cFTOE, resulting in the finding that SGA males displayed highest rScO2 and lowest cFTOE (73% SEM 0.3 respectively 0.24 SEM 0.003). AGA males and SGA females showed comparable rScO2 (69% SEM 0.2 vs 69% SEM 0.4) and cFTOE (0.28 SEM 0.002 vs 0.28 SEM 0.004). AGA females showed lowest rScO2 and highest cFTOE (66% SEM 0.2 respectively 0.30 SEM 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Growth restriction and gender influence cerebral oxygenation and oxygen extraction in preterm neonates throughout the first 3 days of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Cohen
- Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital/University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Willem Baerts
- Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital/University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Alderliesten
- Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital/University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Derks
- Department of Obstetrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital/University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Lemmers
- Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital/University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank van Bel
- Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital/University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Programmierung durch intrauterine Mangelversorgung. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-015-3420-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Traditional risk factors account for only part of the attributable risk. The origins of atherosclerosis are in early life, a potential albeit largely unrecognized window of opportunity for early detection and treatment of subclinical cardiovascular disease. There are robust epidemiological data indicating that poor intrauterine growth and/or prematurity, and perinatal factors such as maternal hypercholesterolaemia, smoking, diabetes and obesity, are associated with adverse cardiovascular intermediate phenotypes in childhood and adulthood. Many of these early-life risk factors result in a heightened inflammatory state. Inflammation is a central mechanism in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, but few studies have investigated the role of overt perinatal infection and inflammation (chorioamnionitis) as a potential contributor to cardiovascular risk. Limited evidence from human and experimental models suggests an association between chorioamnionitis and cardiac and vascular dysfunction. Early life inflammatory events may be an important mechanism in the early development of cardiovascular risk and may provide insights into the associations between perinatal factors and adult cardiovascular disease. This review aims to summarise current data on the early life origins of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, with particular focus on perinatal inflammation.
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Serial assessment of right ventricular function using tissue Doppler imaging in preterm infants within 7 days of life. Early Hum Dev 2015; 91:125-30. [PMID: 25617862 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate right ventricular (RV) function longitudinally using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) echocardiography in preterm infants. METHODS We selected 101 very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants for the study. Echocardiographic examinations including TDI were performed serially within 7days of life. Pulsed-Doppler TDI waveforms were recorded at the tricuspid valve annulus, and peak systolic velocities (Sa), early diastolic velocities (Ea), and late diastolic velocities (Aa) were measured. RESULTS Sa, Ea and Aa were all reduced significantly from 3h to 12h, and then increased gradually thereafter. These three velocities also increased with gestational age in the early neonatal period. The ratio of Ea to Aa (Ea/Aa) did not change significantly within the first week of life. The ratio of E to Ea (E/Ea) in VLBW infants also seemed to remain stable from birth to day 7. The values of Sa appeared to be associated with cardiac output in the early neonatal period. Both Sa and Aa in intubated infants were significantly higher than in non-intubated infants. CONCLUSION RV TDI velocities of preterm infants in the early neonatal period are influenced by gestational age, postnatal age, and respiratory status, although the RV E/Ea ratio appears to be almost stable throughout the neonatal period. Our findings may provide some basis for assessment of RV function in critically ill preterm infants.
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Left ventricular dimensions, systolic functions, and mass in term neonates with symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction. Cardiol Young 2015; 25:301-7. [PMID: 24355690 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951113002199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated structural changes in the heart and cardiac dysfunction in foetuses with intrauterine growth restriction. There are no available data that evaluated left ventricular dimensions and mass in neonates with symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate left ventricular dimensions, systolic functions, and mass in neonates with symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction. We also assessed associated maternal risk factors, and compared results with healthy appropriate for gestational age neonates. METHODS In all, 62 asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction neonates, 39 symmetric intrauterine growth restriction neonates, and 50 healthy appropriate for gestational age neonates were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS The asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction group had significantly lower left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters and posterior wall diameter in systole and diastole than the control group. The symmetric intrauterine growth restriction group had significantly lower left ventricular end-diastolic diameter than the control group. All left ventricular dimensions were lower in the asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction neonates compared with symmetric intrauterine growth restriction neonates (p>0.05), but not statistically significant except left ventricular posterior wall diameter in diastole (3.08±0.83 mm versus 3.54 ±0.72 mm) (p<0.05). Both symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction groups had significantly lower relative posterior wall thickness (0.54±0.19 versus 0.48±0.13 versus 0.8±0.12), left ventricular mass (9.8±4.3 g versus 8.9±3.4 g versus 22.2±5.7 g), and left ventricular mass index (63.6±29.1 g/m2 versus 54.5±24.4 g/m2 versus 109±28.8 g/m2) when compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS Our study has demonstrated that although neonates with both symmetric and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction had lower left ventricular dimensions, relative posterior wall thickness, left ventricular mass, and mass index when compared with appropriate for gestational age neonates, left ventricular systolic functions were found to be preserved. In our study, low socio-economic level, short maternal stature, and low maternal weight were found to be risk factors to develop intrauterine growth restriction. To our knowledge, our study is the first to evaluate left ventricular dimensions, wall thicknesses, mass, and systolic functions in neonates with intrauterine growth restriction and compare results with respect to asymmetric or symmetric subgroups.
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Klitsie LM, Roest AAW, Haak MC, Blom NA, Ten Harkel ADJ. Longitudinal follow-up of ventricular performance in healthy neonates. Early Hum Dev 2013; 89:993-7. [PMID: 24080389 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2013.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Revised: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific follow-up of newly introduced echocardiographic parameters in healthy neonates and infants is limited. AIM To prospectively describe follow-up of left ventricular (LV) tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle tracking strain parameters in healthy subjects up to two months after birth. DESIGN This is a longitudinal follow-up study. SUBJECTS Twenty-eight (10 male) healthy newborns were included and underwent transthoracic echocardiography 1-3 days, 3 weeks and 6-7 weeks after birth. OUTCOME MEASURES In each echocardiogram, parameters describing cardiac growth, including LV mass (LVM), were assessed. Additionally, TDI derived peak systolic velocity (S') and peak early (E') and late (A') diastolic velocities were assessed in the basal LV free wall and interventricular septum (IVS). Finally LV longitudinal, radial and circumferential global peak strain parameters were assessed using speckle tracking strain imaging. RESULTS LVM significantly increased during follow-up (7.6 ± 2.4 versus 12.4 ± 3.2g, p = 0.002). Similarly at 1-3 days versus 6-7 weeks after birth, an increase in LV and IVS systolic (LV S' 4.1 ± 1.5 versus 6.3 ± 1.5 cm/s, p = 0.001; IVS S' 3.6 ± 0.9 versus 6.4 ± 1.3 cm/s, p < 0.001) and diastolic (LV E' 6.1 ± 2.2 versus 9.7 ± 2.9 cm/s, p = 0.002; IVS E' 5.1 ± 1.4 versus 10.7 ± 3.3 cm/s, p < 0.001) TDI parameters was observed. In contrast, global peak longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain parameters did not significantly change during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS A significant increase in LV systolic and diastolic TDI parameters was observed up to two months after birth. Yet this increase may be (cardiac) growth-dependent. No significant changes were observed in speckle tracking strain derived global peak strain parameters; this may render the technique particularly valuable in evaluation of LV systolic performance during periods of significant growth, such as the neonatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselotte M Klitsie
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, Room J6S-208, 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
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Sehgal A, Doctor T, Menahem S. Cardiac function and arterial biophysical properties in small for gestational age infants: postnatal manifestations of fetal programming. J Pediatr 2013; 163:1296-300. [PMID: 23896189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the differences in cardiac function and arterial biophysical properties between term-born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants and small for gestational age (SGA) infants. Our hypothesis was that adaptation to intrauterine growth restriction induces changes in cardiac and arterial indices. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective observational echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac and arterial indices in SGA infants and AGA infants. Demographic and echocardiographic data were compared between 20 inborn term SGA infants with birth weight <3rd percentile for gestational age and 20 AGA infants. RESULTS The Ponderal index was significantly lower and blood pressure was significantly higher in the SGA infants compared with the AGA infants. Left ventricular output was lower in the SGA infants (170 ± 31 mL/kg/min vs 197 ± 39 mL/kg/min). Diastolic dysfunction was greater in the SGA infants (ie, reduced E and A wave velocities, higher E/A ratio [1.08 ± 0.16 vs 0.85 ± 0.07], and prolonged isovolumic relaxation time [73 ± 6.2 ms vs 62.6 ± 3.6 ms]). Aortic intima-media thickness was significantly greater in the SGA infants (822 ± 105 μm vs 694 ± 52 μm), as were arterial wall stiffness index and input impedance. CONCLUSION Cardiac function and arterial biophysical properties were altered in the SGA infants. The findings complement the information on the association between in utero growth and cardiovascular morbidity in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Sehgal
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Serial assessment of left-ventricular function using tissue Doppler imaging in premature infants within 7 days of life. Pediatr Cardiol 2013; 34:1491-8. [PMID: 23475256 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-013-0675-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Although many echocardiographic parameters can assess cardiac function noninvasively in preterm infants, it has not been determined what indices are the best. We assessed left-ventricular performance in 101 very low-birth weight (VLBW) infants using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) echocardiography. Echocardiographic examinations, including TDI, were performed serially within 7 days of life. Pulsed-Doppler TDI waveforms were recorded at the mitral valve annulus, and peak systolic velocities (Sa), early diastolic velocities (Ea), and late diastolic velocities (Aa) were measured. Sa and Aa velocities were both decreased significantly from 3 to 12 h and then gradually increased. Ea velocities showed no significant, longitudinal changes, but Ea values in premature groups appeared to be significantly lower than those in mature groups. The ratio of E to Ea (E/Ea) of VLBW infants seemed to be almost stable from birth to day 7, and this also showed no significant differences between different gestational age groups. E/Ea values in infants with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) appeared to be greater than those in non-PDA infants. Our present findings suggest that TDI assessment in the early neonatal period might be useful in detecting latent systolic/diastolic failure of critically ill preterm infants.
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