Subclinical Changes in Left Heart Structure and Function at Preschool Age in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Survivors of preterm birth are at risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences. The objective of this prospective observational study was to assess left heart function at preschool age in preterm children with very low birth weight (VLBW).

Methods

We recruited children aged 5-6 years from preterm infants and full-term children. All subjects underwent conventional echocardiography and speckle-tracking echocardiography. The results were compared between the preterm and term groups.

Results

Eighty-seven VLBW preterm children and 29 term controls were included in the study. After adjusting for body surface area, the preterm group compared to the full-term group had significantly smaller left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic and end-systolic internal dimensions (

SUBMITTER: Chang HY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9120602 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature