Abstract: TH-PO500
Association Between Birth Weight Z-Score and Blood Pressure in 9- to 10-Year-Old Icelandic Children
Session Information
- Pediatric Nephrology - I
November 02, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Pediatric Nephrology
- 1900 Pediatric Nephrology
Authors
- Sigurdardottir, Asdis H., Landspitali, Reykjavik, Capital, Iceland
- Indridason, Olafur S., Landspitali, Reykjavik, Capital, Iceland
- Stephensen, Sigurdur S., Landspitali, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Hrafnkelsdottir, Thordis J., Landspitali, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Edvardsson, Vidar O., Landspitali, Reykjavik, Iceland
Background
Low birth weight has been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including an increased risk of hypertension later in life. The aim of this study was to examine the association between birth weight (BW) indices and blood pressure (BP) in a cohort of healthy 9-to 10-year-old Icelandic school children.
Methods
Icelandic children aged 9-10 years underwent 4 seated BP measurements in 2009. BP percentiles and z-scores were calculated from the average of the 4 measurements. Height and weight were measured, and information on birth weight and gestational age was obtained from the Icelandic Birth Registry. Birth weight z-score was calculated based on a standardized growth chart by Niklasson & Albertsson-Wikland. Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariable linear regression were used for statistical analysis.
Results
Of 892 children with complete data, 458 were girls (51.3%). The mean BP in girls was 111/63 mm Hg and 112/64 mm Hg in boys. The mean BW was 3688 ± 586 g for girls and 3750 ± 644 g for boys. A significant negative correlation was observed between BW and systolic BP z-score (r= -0.09, p=0.001), and between BW z-score and systolic BP z-score (r= -0.09, p=0.006). There was a negative correlation between the diastolic BP z-score and both BW and BW z-score (r= -0.09, p=0.005, and r= -0.10, p=0.003). The relationship was stronger in girls for both BW and z-score (r= -0.11, p=0.024 and r= -0.10, p=0.036) than in boys (r= -0.07, p=0.14 and r=-0.08, p=0.11). When adjusted for body mass index (BMI) z-score, there was a significant association between BW z-score and systolic BP z-score (beta= -0.12, p<0.001) and diastolic BP z-score (beta= -0.08, p<0.001) in girls. In boys the adjusted association was significant for BW z-score and systolic BP z-score (beta= -0.07, p=0.024), but the association with diastolic BP z-score was of borderline significance (beta= -0.04, p=0.05). Neither BW nor the BW z-score significantly correlated to absolute blood pressure values in children.
Conclusion
This study suggests that low birth weight may be an important predictor of elevated BP in children and indicates the importance of BP follow-up of low-birth-weight infants.