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Pediatric Cardiology

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Open Access 25-03-2022 | Intrauterine Growth Restriction | Original Article

Developmental Differences in Left Ventricular Strain in IUGR vs. Control Children the First Three Months of Life

Authors: Olov Änghagen, Jan Engvall, Tomas Gottvall, Nina Nelson, Eva Nylander, Peter Bang

Published in: Pediatric Cardiology | Issue 6/2022

Abstract

Background

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) may directly affect cardiovascular function in early life. Longitudinal data on left ventricular longitudinal strain (LVLS), a key measure of cardiac function independent of body size, is not available. We hypothesize impaired cardiac function among IUGR newborns and persistence of the impairment until age 3 months.

Method

This is a prospective cohort study of consecutive pregnancies where IUGR was identified at 18–38 weeks gestational age (GA) with healthy controls randomly selected at 18–20 weeks GA. Echocardiograms were performed at birth and at age 3–4 months, and then compared.

Results

At birth, mean (SD) LVLS did not differ between the IUGR group [N = 19; − 15.76 (3.12) %] and controls [N = 35; − 15.53 (3.56) %]. The IUGR group demonstrated no significant change in LVLS at age 3–4 months [− 17.80 (3.82) %], while the control group [− 20.91 (3.31) %] showed a significant increase (P < 0.001). Thus, LVLS was lower in the IUGR group at age 3–4 months (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

The lack of increase in LVLS may suggest that IUGR has a direct impact on cardiac function as early as during the first months of life.

Trial registration Clinical trials.gov Identifier: NCT02583763, registration October 22, 2015. Retrospectively registered September 2014–October 2015, thereafter, registered prospectively.

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Title: Developmental Differences in Left Ventricular Strain in IUGR vs. Control Children the First Three Months of Life
Authors: Olov Änghagen
Jan Engvall
Tomas Gottvall
Nina Nelson
Eva Nylander
Peter Bang
Publication date: 25-03-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published in: Pediatric Cardiology / Issue 6/2022
Print ISSN: 0172-0643
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1971
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00246-022-02850-y

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Developmental Differences in Left Ventricular Strain in IUGR vs. Control Children the First Three Months of Life

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

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