Increased aortic intima-media thickness: a marker of preclinical atherosclerosis in high-risk children

Cardiometabolic determinants of aortic and carotid intima-media thickness in adolescence

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Comprehensive longitudinal data in healthy populations on cardiometabolic determinants of arterial intima-media thickness (IMT), especially aortic IMT, in adolescence are lacking. We aimed to examine in detail how cardiometabolic risk factors associate with aortic and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in adolescence.

METHODS

Participants (n = 522) were healthy individuals from Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project. IMT of the abdominal aorta and common carotid artery was measured repeatedly with ultrasonography at the age of 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 years. Data on cardiometabolic risk markers were available beginning from early childhood.

RESULTS

Between ages 11 and 19 years, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum total cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B levels, insulin and insulin resistance indicated by homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), C-reactive protein, and smoking associated directly with aortic IMT. For carotid IMT, a direct association was found with BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and smoking. In multivariate analyses, BMI(β = 5.49, SE = 1.01, P < 0.0001) and HOMA-IR (β = 16.79, SE = 7.45, P = 0.02) remained as determinants of aortic IMT. Correspondingly, BMI(β = 1.78, SE = 0.42, P < 0.0001) and systolic blood pressure (β = 0.38, SE = 0.10, P = 0.0001) determined carotid IMT. Participants with longitudinal aortic or carotid IMT above/equal the 80th percentile had higher BMI measured from infancy than their peers with longitudinal IMT below the 80th percentile.

CONCLUSIONS

In adolescence, several cardiometabolic risk factors associate with aortic IMT while these links are less evident for carotid IMT. Aortic IMT may serve as a more sensitive marker than carotid IMT of early vascular remodeling.

Associations of Physical Fitness During Childhood with Arterial Structure and Stiffness in Adolescence: An 8-Year Follow-up Study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and premature mortality globally. While the relationship between indicators of physical fitness and arterial structure and stiffness are reasonably well-studied in adults, these associations in children and adolescents remain less understood. The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal associations of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness and motor fitness with arterial structure and stiffness from childhood to adolescence.

RESULTS

Higher mean value of VO2peak/LM from childhood to adolescence was associated with higher carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) at 8-year follow-up (β = 0.184, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.019 to 0.350). Better performance in sit-up test at baseline was associated with lower cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) (β = - 0.219, 95% CI = - 0.387 to - 0.051) at 8-year follow-up, and higher mean sit-up performance from baseline to 8-year follow-up was associated with lower carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (cfPWV) (β = - 0.178, 95% CI = - 0.353 to - 0.003) and CAVI (β = - 0.190, 95% CI = - 0.365 to - 0.016) at 8-year follow-up. Also cross-sectionally, better sit-up performance at 8-year follow-up was associated with lower cfPWV (β = - 0.232, 95% CI = - 0.411 to - 0.054) and CAVI (β = - 0.185, 95% CI = - 0.365 to - 0.005) and higher carotid artery distensibility (β = 0.165, 95% CI = 0.004 to 0.327) at 8-year follow-up. Most of the associations were explained by body fat percentage (BF%).

CONCLUSIONS

Physical fitness had a weak if any association with indicators of arterial structure and arterial stiffness in adolescence. BF% largely explained the associations of higher VO2peak/LM with higher cIMT and better sit-up performance with lower arterial stiffness in adolescents. Therefore, preventing adiposity rather than improving CRF should be addressed in public health strategies to prevent CVDs in general paediatric populations.

KEY POINTS

Better sit-up performance was associated with lower arterial stiffness, but the association was largely explained by body fat percentage. Lower body muscular strength, handgrip strength, or motor fitness was not associated with arterial stiffness or carotid artery intima-media thickness. Measures other than cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, or motor fitness, such as adiposity, should be used to screen children and adolescents at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Young Healthy Individuals With a First-Degree Relative With Type 1 Diabetes Displayed Adverse Lipid Changes

AIM

Timeline of atherosclerosis in children with type 1 diabetes is unknown. We aimed to investigate if familial risk of type 1 diabetes is associated with pro-atherosclerotic changes.

METHODS

Young first-degree relatives to patients with paediatric type 1 diabetes and sex and age matching controls were enrolled at Skåne University Hospital, Sweden between 2006 and 2015. Conventional lipids, human leukocyte antigen DQ2/8, inflammatory biomarkers, and history of respiratory infections were determined.

RESULTS

A total of 117 first-degree relatives and 43 controls were recruited (50% boys) at median of 13.4 years of age (IQR 8.0). Relatives had lower BMI Z-score (p = 0.03) and frequency of respiratory infections (p = 0.03) compared to controls, but higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL, p = 0.04) and total cholesterol (p = 0.01). In multivariable regression models adjusted for confounders LDL was 0.35 mmol/L higher (95% CI 0.10-0.61) and total cholesterol was 0.46 mmol/L higher (95% CI 0.15-0.77) in relatives. Relatives with ≥ 4 respiratory infections/year had higher LDL than controls with < 4 infections/year (p = 0.035). Human leukocyte antigen DQ2/8 frequency and inflammatory biomarkers did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

Healthy young relatives to patients with type 1 diabetes display adverse lipid changes, probably related to their genetic susceptibility to this disease and recent respiratory infections.

Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of hypertension for Korean children and adolescents: the Korean Working Group of Pediatric Hypertension

Pediatric hypertension (HTN) is a significant, growing health concern worldwide and also in Korea. Diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of HTN in Korean children and adolescents are uncertain due to limitations in using the current international guidelines, since the recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and European Society of Hypertension (ESH) guidelines differ. Furthermore, these are guidelines for Western youth, who are racially and ethnically different from Koreans. In addition, reference blood pressure values for all pediatric age groups, which are essential for the diagnosis of HTN according to these two guidelines, are absent in Korea. Therefore, HTN guidelines for Korean children and adolescents should be established. The Korean Working Group of Pediatric Hypertension established clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of HTN in Korean children and adolescents. These guidelines were based on reported clinical evidence, expert recommendations, and AAP and ESH guidelines. The characteristics of Korean youth and the Korean medical and insurance system were considered during the establishment of the guidelines. By providing recommendations suitable for Korean youth, these guidelines will help in the prevention and management of childhood HTN, thus relieving the burden of cardiovascular disease in adulthood in Korea.

Differential postnatal cardiovascular course of donor-recipient twins and associated pathophysiology-a cohort study

Fetal echocardiography in twin-to-twin transfusion pregnancies treated with photocoagulation noted impaired cardiac function. Systematic information about cardiac structure or function and arterial distensibility after birth is not available. This study evaluated cardiovascular function and arterial dynamic properties in survivors of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Eleven pairs of donor-recipient twins were compared with each other and with 20 singletons of comparable gestational age. The twin cohort was born at 31.5 ± 2 wk gestational age; birthweights of donors-recipients were comparable (donors: 1,358 ± 421 g vs. recipients: 1,617 ± 460 g, P = 0.2). Significant intertwin differences were noted for cardiac function parameters. Recipients had greater septal thickness (donors: 2.3 ± 0.15 vs. recipients: 2.7 ± 0.36 mm, P = 0.01) and globularity [lower sphericity index (donors: 1.76 ± 0.1 vs. recipients: 1.62 ± 0.12, P = 0.009)]. They also had lower cardiac function [tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (donors: 4.6 ± 0.5 vs. recipients: 4.1 ± 0.4 mm, P = 0.02) and right ventricular fractional area change (donors: 30 ± 1 vs. recipients: 27.7 ± 1.3%, P = 0.0001)]. Compared with singletons, differences were statistically more significant for recipients. Arterial distensibility however was more affected in donors [higher arterial wall stiffness index (donors: 2.5 ± 0.2 vs. recipients: 2.2 ± 0.2, P = 0.008) and lower pulsatile diameter (donors: 51 ± 5 vs. recipients: 63 ± 10 µm, P < 0.0001)]. Compared with singletons, the differences were statistically more significant for donors. Evaluation in the neonatal period noted that cardiac function and arterial distensibility are affected in TTTS twins. These cohorts will benefit from close postnatal follow-up for the evolution of cardiac and arterial impairments.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Evaluation for fetuses with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome noted impaired cardiac function in recipients. Systematic data after birth are lacking. We noted greater ventricular dilatation, globularity, and hypertrophied interventricular septum in the recipient. Right ventricular contractility was reduced; differences between recipients-singletons had greater statistical significance compared with donors-singletons. The aorta had greater stiffness and lower distensibility in donors compared with recipients; the differences for arterial indices were statistically more significant with donors-singletons.

Tracking of Vascular Measures From Infancy to Early Childhood: A Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis develops across the life course, and variation in aortic intima-media thickness (IMT) is evident from infancy onward, although most early-life data are cross-sectional. We investigated whether abdominal aortic IMT at age 6 weeks is associated with vascular measures at 4 years and the relationship of prenatal and perinatal exposures with these measures in early childhood.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed data from 518 participants with 6-week and 4-year vascular measures from the Barwon Infant Study. Aortic IMT was measured at 6 weeks (mean, 6.1±SD 1.5 weeks) and aortic and carotid IMT, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and blood pressure at 4 years of age (4.3±0.3 years). Associations of early-life exposures-maternal enteric microbiome, smoking and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol during pregnancy, birth weight, and gestational age-were also investigated. In the primary model, 6-week aortic IMT (649±66 μm) was associated with small differences in 4-year carotid IMT (453±45 μm) (mean difference in carotid IMT per 100 μm higher 6-week aortic IMT=7.0 μm [95% CI, 0.7-13.3]; P=0.03), with no evidence for associations with 4-year aortic IMT, pulse wave velocity, or blood pressure. Higher birth weight was associated with greater 4-year aortic IMT, and maternal smoking with higher systolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Vascular measures do not show strong evidence of tracking between infancy and early childhood. Longitudinal studies with repeated assessment beyond age 4 years would inform optimal timing of early prevention and targets for primordial prevention.

Arterial structure and function in children with inflammatory bowel disease

Background and Aim

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including in younger adulthood. This may arise in part from chronic, systemic low-grade inflammation. The process of atherosclerosis may begin in childhood. We sought to determine whether pediatric IBD is associated with adverse changes in arterial structure and function as a marker of early increased cardiovascular risk.

Methods

We performed a case-control study comparing children with IBD for a median disease duration of 2.49 (interquartile range 1.23, 4.38) years with healthy children. In a single visit, we collected baseline clinical and anthropometric data, and measured blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, carotid artery distensibility, and aortic and carotid intima-media thickness. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and fasting lipids were measured.

Results

We enrolled 81 children with IBD (40 with Crohn's disease, 40 with ulcerative colitis, and 1 with unspecified IBD) and 82 control participants. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index z-score, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, there was no difference in measures of arterial structure and function in children with IBD compared with controls, nor between those with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Conclusion

We did not show any differences in arterial structure and function in children with a history of IBD for less than 5 years compared with healthy controls. IBD diagnosed in childhood may provide a window of opportunity to actively reduce standard cardiovascular risk factors and improve future cardiovascular outcomes.

Blood Pressure at Different Life Stages Over the Early Life Course and Intima-Media Thickness

Importance

Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) begins in early life, the extent to which blood pressure (BP) at different life stages contributes to CVD is unclear.

Objective

To determine the relative contribution of BP at different life stages across the early-life course from infancy to young adulthood with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT).

Design, setting, and participants

The analyses were performed in 2022 using data gathered from July 1989 through January 2018 within the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project, a randomized, infancy-onset cohort of 534 participants coupled with annual BP (from age 7 months to 20 years), biennial IMT measurements (from ages 13 to 19 years), who were followed up with again at age 26 years.

Exposures

BP measured from infancy (aged 7 to 13 months), preschool (2 to 5 years), childhood (6 to 12 years), adolescence (13 to 17 years), and young adulthood (18 to 26 years).

Main outcomes and measures

Primary outcomes were carotid IMT measured in young adulthood at age 26 years. Bayesian relevant life-course exposure models assessed the relative contribution of BP at each life stage.

Results

Systolic BP at each life stage contributed to the association with young adulthood carotid IMT (infancy: relative weight, 25.3%; 95% credible interval [CrI], 3.6-45.8; preschool childhood: relative weight, 27.0%; 95% CrI, 3.3-57.1; childhood: relative weight, 18.0%; 95% CrI, 0.5-40.0; adolescence: relative weight, 13.5%; 95% CrI, 0.4-37.1; and young adulthood: relative weight, 16.2%; 95% CrI, 1.6-46.1). A 1-SD (at single life-stage) higher systolic BP accumulated across the life course was associated with a higher carotid IMT (0.02 mm; 95% CrI, 0.01-0.03). The findings for carotid IMT were replicated in the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study that assessed systolic BP from childhood and carotid IMT in adulthood (33 to 45 years).

Conclusion and relevance

In this cohort study, a life-course approach indicated that accumulation of risk exposure to BP levels at all life stages contributed to adulthood carotid IMT. Of those, the contribution attributed to each observed life stage was approximately equal. These results support prevention efforts that achieve and maintain normal BP levels across the life course, starting in infancy.

Cardiovascular Risk in Childhood is Associated With Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Stiffness in Adolescents and Young Adults: The KiGGS Cohort

PURPOSE

Cardiovascular risk factors are widespread among children and adolescents and may lead to accelerated vascular aging in middle adulthood. However, data are scarce on shorter-term consequences, for example, on associated distinctive vascular properties before age 30 years. This study analyzes the association of childhood exposure to cardiovascular risk factors with carotid properties in adolescents and young adults.

METHODS

Four thousand thirty one participants from the population-based German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents cohort (aged 3-17 years) had carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and distensibility coefficient (DC) measurements at the second follow-up (aged 14-28 years). The assessment of cardiovascular risk factors at baseline included information about arterial hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and passive smoking.

RESULTS

Single risk factors and the exposure to multiple cardiovascular risk factors were associated with elevated CIMT and decreased DC. Relative risks for CIMT ≥ 90th centile and/or DC ≤ 10th centile were increased in participants exposed to two (RRCIMT = 1.45 [95% confidence interval 1.11-1.91], p < .05; RRDC = 1.37 [1.02-1.84], p < .05) and ≥ three risk factors (RRCIMT = 1.66 [1.05-2.62], p < .05; RRDC = 1.25 [0.71-2.21], p > .05).

DISCUSSION

Exposure to multiple cardiovascular risk factors starting in childhood is associated with measurably increased CIMT and carotid stiffness in late adolescence and early adulthood. These findings underline the importance of population-wide preventive measures to promote optimal cardiovascular health.

Impact of bariatric surgery on carotid intima-media thickness, flow-mediated dilation, and nitrite-mediated dilation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Obesity is considered one of the independent risk factors for atherosclerosis and is strongly correlated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Previous studies showed carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and nitrite-mediated dilatation (NMD) are reliable non-invasive markers of arterial damage and dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery on CIMT, FMD, and NMD markers in patients with obesity. A systematic search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases until May 2022. All the English-published studies on the effect of bariatric surgery on CIMT, FMD, and NMD were included. A quantitative meta-analysis was performed, as well as subgroup analyses for the type of procedure and duration of follow-up. Meta-analysis of 41 studies with 1639 patients showed CIMT was significantly reduced by .11 mm after bariatric surgery (95% CI, -.14 to -.08; P < .001; mean follow-up = 10.8 mo). The pooled analysis of 23 studies with 1106 patients showed an increase of FMD by 4.57% after bariatric surgery (95% CI, 2.69-6.44; P < .001; mean follow-up = 11.5 mo). The results of a pooled analysis of 12 studies with 346 patients showed a significant increase of NMD by 2.46% after bariatric surgery (95% CI, .99-3.94; P < .001; mean follow-up = 11.4 mo). The random effect meta-regression demonstrated that baseline CIMT and FMD significantly affect the changes in CIMT and FMD. This meta-analysis showed bariatric surgery can improve CIMT, FMD, and NMD markers in patients with obesity. These improvements show the known effect of metabolic surgery in decreasing cardiovascular risk.

Early echocardiographic signs of cardiovascular affection in pediatric familial hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by defective low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors or abnormal apolipoprotein B. FH raises the risk of premature atherosclerotic disease and cardiovascular death in young adults. However, cardiovascular affection in children needs to be more adequately studied. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of hypercholesterolemia on the cardiovascular system of pediatric patients with homozygous FH using conventional and advanced echocardiographic parameters such as tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). This case-control study matched 25 healthy children with 21 patients with homozygous FH. Both groups had conventional echocardiography, TDI, and 2D-STE. Myocardial velocities of the left and right ventricles, left ventricular strain, and aortic stiffness parameters were measured. The FH group had greater systolic blood pressure, dilated coronary arteries, and hypertrophied left ventricle (LV) compared to the control (P = 0.0001, P = 0.001, P = 0.01, respectively). The mitral E/E' ratio was higher in the patient group than in the control group (P = 0.007), indicating LV diastolic dysfunction in patients. At the same time, LV systolic function evaluated by 2D-STE was comparable to that in the control group. The abdominal aorta circumferential strain and ascending aorta M-mode-derived strain were significantly lower in patients compared to those in the control (P = 0.024, P = 0.0001, respectively), indicating increased aortic stiffness in the patients' group; moreover, 85.7% of patients had mild aortic insufficiency.  Conclusion: Mild aortic insufficiency, coronary artery dilatation, left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, and increased aortic stiffness are among early cardiovascular markers in pediatric patients with homozygous FH before impaired LV systolic function. What is Known: • Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in adults is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis, aortic valvopathy, dilated coronary arteries, ischemic heart disease, and premature cardiovascular death. • The cardiovascular effects of FH in children require additional research. What is New: • Pediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolemia tend to have an early affection for left ventricular diastolic function before the affection for the systolic function. • The diastolic dysfunction associated with pediatric FH is correlated to the aortic stiffness and low-density lipoprotein levels.

Impact of perinatal factors on biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk in preadolescent children

BACKGROUND

This review aims to summarize associations of the perinatal environment with arterial biophysical properties in childhood, to elucidate possible perinatal origins of adult cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed database was performed (December 2020). Studies exploring associations of perinatal factors with arterial biophysical properties in children 12 years old or less were included. Properties studied included: pulse wave velocity; arterial stiffness or distensibility; augmentation index; intima-media thickness of aorta (aIMT) or carotids; endothelial function (laser flow Doppler, flow-mediated dilatation). Two reviewers independently performed study selection and data extraction.

RESULTS

Fifty-two of 1084 identified records were included. Eleven studies explored associations with prematurity, 14 explored maternal factors during pregnancy, and 27 explored effects of low birth weight, small-for-gestational age and foetal growth restriction (LBW/SGA/FGR). aIMT was consistently higher in offspring affected by LBW/SGA/FGR in all six studies examining this variable. The cause of inconclusive or conflicting associations found with other arterial biophysical properties and perinatal factors may be multifactorial: in particular, measurements and analyses of related properties differed in technique, equipment, anatomical location, and covariates used.

CONCLUSION

aIMT was consistently higher in LBW/SGA/FGR offspring, which may relate to increased long-term CVD risk. Larger and longer term cohort studies may help to elucidate clinical significance, particularly in relation to established CVD risk factors. Experimental studies may help to understand whether lifestyle or medical interventions can reverse perinatal changes aIMT. The field could be advanced by validation and standardization of techniques assessing arterial structure and function in children.

Pregnancy as an Early Cardiovascular Moment: Peripartum Cardiovascular Health

Pregnancy is commonly referred to as a window into future CVH (cardiovascular health). During pregnancy, physiological adaptations occur to promote the optimal growth and development of the fetus. However, in approximately 20% of pregnant individuals, these perturbations result in cardiovascular and metabolic complications, which include hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational age infant. The biological processes that lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes begin before pregnancy with higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes observed among those with poor prepregnancy CVH. Individuals who experience adverse pregnancy outcomes are also at higher risk of subsequent development of cardiovascular disease, which is largely explained by the interim development of traditional risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes. Therefore, the peripartum period, which includes the period before (prepregnancy), during, and after pregnancy (postpartum), represents an early cardiovascular moment or window of opportunity when CVH should be measured, monitored, and modified (if needed). However, it remains unclear whether adverse pregnancy outcomes reflect latent risk for cardiovascular disease that is unmasked in pregnancy or if adverse pregnancy outcomes are themselves an independent and causal risk factor for future cardiovascular disease. Understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms and pathways linking prepregnancy CVH, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and cardiovascular disease are necessary to develop strategies tailored for each stage in the peripartum period. Emerging evidence suggests the utility of subclinical cardiovascular disease screening with biomarkers (eg, natriuretic peptides) or imaging (eg, computed tomography for coronary artery calcium or echocardiography for adverse cardiac remodeling) to identify risk-enriched postpartum populations and target for more intensive strategies with health behavior interventions or pharmacological treatments. However, evidence-based guidelines focused on adults with a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes are needed to prioritize the prevention of cardiovascular disease during the reproductive years and beyond.

Early Life Determinants of Vascular Structure in Fetuses, Infants, Children, and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between early life exposures during the first 1000 days (conception to age 24 months) and aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT), an early indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, in youths.

STUDY DESIGN

The MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Allied and Complementary Medicine databases were searched from inception to July 2021. Eligibility criteria included observational controlled studies in youths aged <20 years with risk factors/exposures during the first 1000 days and aIMT measurements (unadjusted mean ± SD). Outcome data were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis. Meta-regression was used to investigate confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 8657 articles were identified, of which 34 were included in our meta-analysis. The age of participants ranged from 22.9 weeks gestation in utero to 10.9 years. In the meta-analysis (n = 1220 cases, n = 1997 controls), the following factors were associated with greater aIMT: small for gestational age (SGA) status (14 studies, mean difference, 0.082 mm; 95% CI, 0.051-0.112; P < .001; I² = 97%), intrauterine growth restriction (6 studies; mean difference, 0.198 mm, 95% CI, 0.088-0.309; P < .001; I² = 97%), preeclampsia (2 studies; mean difference, 0.038 mm; 95% CI, 0.024-0.051; P < .001; I² = 38%), and large for gestational age (LGA) status (3 studies; mean difference, 0.089 mm; 95% CI, 0.043-0.0136; P < .001; I² = 93%). In meta-regression, older age (P < .001), higher prevalence of maternal smoking (P = .04), and SGA (P < .001) were associated with greater difference in aIMT in preterm participants compared with controls. Limitations included the high heterogeneity present in most meta-analyses and the scope of our meta-regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse early life exposures are associated with greater aIMT in youths, consistent with an increased risk for CVD later in life. Further research is needed to determine whether intervention and preventive strategies deliver clinical benefits to improve future cardiovascular health.

Intrauterine exposure to preeclampsia does not impair vascular health in children

Background and objectives

Preeclampsia is a serious multisystem blood pressure disorder during pregnancy that is associated with increased long-term risk of cardiovascular disease to the mother and offspring. We investigated the vascular health of children exposed to intrauterine preeclampsia.

Materials and methods

This was a cross-sectional study of offspring in a prospective cohort of women with complications during pregnancy. Children aged between 2 and 5 years [median age 4.7 (2.8, 5.1) years] exposed to intrauterine preeclampsia (n = 26) or normotensive controls (n = 34), were recruited between July 2020 and April 2021. Vascular health was assessed by measuring aortic intima-media thickness and pulse wave velocity. Univariate generalized linear regression models were used to explore associations between vascular measurements and explanatory variables.

Results

Children exposed to preeclampsia had a lower body mass index at assessment (15.5 vs. 16.2 kg/m², p = 0.04), birth weight (2.90 vs. 3.34 kg, p = 0.004), gestational age at birth (37.5 vs. 39.4 weeks, p < 0.001) and higher frequency of preterm birth (27% vs. 6%, p = 0.02). There were no differences in vascular health between children exposed to preeclampsia vs. controls (mean aortic intima-media thickness 0.575 mm vs. 0.563 mm, p = 0.51, pulse wave velocity 4.09 vs. 4.18 m/s, p = 0.54) and there were no significant associations in univariate analyses.

Conclusions

There were no major adverse differences in vascular health which contrasts with existing studies. This suggests exposure to intrauterine preeclampsia may result in a less severe cardiovascular phenotype in young children. While reassuring, longitudinal studies are required to determine if and when exposure to intrauterine preeclampsia affects vascular health in children.

Infants With Congenital Heart Disease at Risk of Early Atherosclerotic Disease

Background

Aortic intima‐media thickness (aIMT) measurement is an established indicator of preclinical atherosclerosis. We aimed to describe the aIMT in infants with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery over the first year of life and explore its association with cardiopulmonary bypass, growth velocity, and a diagnosis of left heart obstruction.

Methods and Results

A prospective cohort study measuring mean and maximum aIMT preoperatively, at 3 months, and 1 year of age in neonates with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery. Twenty‐four infants with a median gestation of 39 weeks and a median birth weight of 3184 g were included. Sixteen (67%) infants had left outflow tract obstruction. Gestation correlated inversely with baseline mean aIMT (β=−0.027, P =0.018) and positively with the percentage of increase in mean and maximum aIMT between baseline and 3 months (β=17%, P =0.027 and β=15%, P =0.023). The presence of left outflow obstruction was significantly associated with increasing mean and maximum aIMT between baseline and 1 year (mean aIMT change: β=34%, P =0.017 and maximum aIMT change β=43%, P =0.001). Both subgroups of left heart obstruction and non‐left heart obstruction significantly changed over time ( P =0.001 and P <0.001) but trends were not statistically different between both subgroups ( P =0.21). Growth velocity and cardiopulmonary bypass were not associated with baseline or change in aIMT over the first year of life.

Conclusions

AIMT significantly increased over the first 3 months in our cohort of infants with repaired congenital heart disease. Increasing gestation was associated with decreasing aIMT at 3 months. Growth velocity and cardiopulmonary bypass were not associated with aIMT changes over the first year. Left heart obstruction was associated with a trend toward increased aIMT.

Associations Between Life-Course Lipid Trajectories and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Midlife

IMPORTANCE

Childhood lipid levels have been associated with adult subclinical atherosclerosis; however, life-course lipid trajectories and their associations with cardiovascular disease risk are poorly characterized.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the associations of lipid levels at different ages and discrete lipid trajectory patterns from childhood to adulthood with subclinical atherosclerosis in midlife.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study used data from the Bogalusa Heart Study, a prospective, population-based cohort study conducted in a semirural, biracial community in Bogalusa, Louisiana, with follow-up from 1973 to 2016 (median follow-up, 36.8 years). Participants had 4 to 16 repeated measurements of lipids, including total cholesterol (TC), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), from childhood to midlife and adult measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Statistical analyses were conducted from July 1 to December 31, 2021.

EXPOSURES

Age-specific lipid levels were estimated, and lipid trajectory patterns were identified using latent mixture modeling.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Subclinical atherosclerosis measured by carotid IMT.

RESULTS

The study evaluated 1201 adults (mean [SD] age, 45.7 [6.8] years; 691 [57.5%] women and 510 [42.5%] men; 392 Black [32.6%] and 809 White [67.4%] individuals). Levels of all lipids at each age from 5 to 45 years were significantly associated with adult IMT. The magnitude of associations generally increased with age, and non-HDL-C (age 5 y: β, 0.040; 95% CI, 0.025-0.055; age 45 y, β, 0.049; 95% CI, 0.026-0.072) and LDL-C (age 5 y: β, 0.039; 95% CI, 0.024-0.054; age 45 y, β, 0.043; 95% CI, 0.023-0.063) showed the strongest associations. After adjusting for race, sex, and other cardiovascular risk factors, mean IMT values were significantly higher in the low-slow increase, low-rapid increase, and high-stable trajectory groups for TC (eg, high-stable group: mean difference, 0.152 mm; 95% CI, 0.059-0.244 mm), the low-slow increase, low-rapid increase, moderate-stable, and high-stable trajectory groups for non-HDL-C (eg, low-slow increase group: mean difference, 0.048 mm; 95% CI, 0.012-0.085 mm) and LDL-C (eg, low-rapid increase group: mean difference, 0.104 mm; 95% CI, 0.056-0.151 mm) and the low-rapid increase and moderate-stable trajectory groups for TG (eg, moderate-stable group: mean difference, 0.071 mm; 95% CI, 0.019-0.122 mm) vs the corresponding low-stable trajectory groups. These associations were slightly attenuated after further adjustment for lipid levels at baseline or follow-up. There were no significant differences in mean IMT among HDL-C trajectory groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, discrete life-course lipid trajectories were associated with the development of atherosclerosis in midlife. The findings emphasize the importance of maintaining optimal lipid levels across the lifespan.

Evaluation of subclinical cardiovascular risk and cardiac function in children with vesicoureteral reflux: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Vesicoureteral reflux is a prominent congenital anomaly of the kidney and the urinary tract. Further, renal scarring is known to be related to chronic inflammation. However, there have been limited studies to date regarding the cardiovascular consequences of vesicoureteral reflux.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications in children with vesicoureteral reflux.

METHODS

Patients with vesicoureteral reflux and age matched healthy controls were prospectively included in this case-control study. Patients were divided into two groups concerning renal scarring status. To assess cardiac functions, carotid artery intima media, epicardial adipose tissue, and periaortic adipose tissue thicknesses were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were 50 patients with vesicoureteral reflux; 26 patients without renal scarring and 24 patients with renal scarring, as well as 40 healthy controls. Myocardial performance indexes (Tei indexes) measured by tissue Doppler echocardiography from septum and left ventricle were significantly increased in study group (for all, p < 0.001). Also, intima media, epicardial adipose tissue, and periaortic adipose tissue thicknesses of the study groups were significantly higher than the control group (for all, p < 0.001). However, no statistical difference was observed between renal scarring (-) and renal scarring (+) groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of our study showed early deterioration of cardiac systolic and diastolic functions in children with vesicoureteral reflux regardless of renal scarring. Also, diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux is an important risk factor for subclinical atherosclerosis, independent of renal scarring, which should be considered in the follow-up of these patients.

Aortic intima media thickness in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review

AIMS

Greater aortic intima media thickness (aIMT), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, can identify individuals at risk of CVD. This systematic review with meta-analysis compared aIMT in youth with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls.

METHODS

A systematic search of published literature (to July 2021) was undertaken using electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL and AMED. Eligible studies reported aIMT in participants aged <20 years with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls. Meta-analysis was used to combine outcome data, presented as forest plots. Moderator analysis and metaregression were conducted to identify study and participant characteristics associated with aIMT. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot inspection.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of nine studies (n = 1030 with type 1 diabetes and n = 498 healthy control participants) indicated, with high heterogeneity (I² 98%), that youth with type 1 diabetes have higher aIMT compared with healthy controls (mean difference [95% CIs]: 0.11 [0.04, 0.18] mm, P = 0.003). Factors associated with greater aIMT in type 1 diabetes compared to controls included: use of a phased array probe versus linear array probe; longer diabetes duration; higher insulin dose; higher BMI z score and waist circumference; higher LDL cholesterol; higher triglycerides; and higher diastolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Type 1 diabetes in youth is associated with higher aIMT compared with healthy control individuals. Longer duration of diabetes and major CVD risk factors were also associated with higher aIMT. Together, these findings provide a strong rationale for targeting modifiable risk factors in CVD prevention. Registered in PROSPERO on 8 August 2019 (CRD42019137559).

Elevated circulating endothelial microparticles (EMPs) in prepubertal children born preterm

BACKGROUND

Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) act as early biomarkers of endothelial activation and damage. No studies have investigated EMPs in preterm-born individuals.

METHODS

Sixty-three preterm-born children and 52 children born full-term (controls) were studied. Circulating CD62E(+), CD144(+), and CD31(+)/CD42b(-) EMPs were measured in preterm-born children compared to controls; possible associations with cardiovascular risk factors and endothelial function parameters were also assessed.

RESULTS

Circulating CD62E(+), CD144(+), and CD31(+)/CD42b(-) EMPs were significantly higher in preterm-born children compared to controls (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Preterm birth was recognized as an independent predictor of each EMP subpopulation studied; moreover, the mean pressure and velocity of pulmonary artery were independently correlated with CD62E(+) (β = 0.20, p = 0.04) and CD144(+) EMPs (β = 0.22, p = 0.02), respectively, whereas age (β = 0.21, p = 0.03) and being born SGA (β = 0.26, p = 0.01) correlated independently with CD31(+)/CD42b(-) EMPs in the study population. Furthermore, diastolic blood pressure (β = 0.24, p = 0.04), being born SGA (β = 0.24, p = 0.04) and the hyperemic peak velocity of the brachial artery (β = -0.65, p = 0.02) were independently associated with CD31(+)/CD42b(-) EMPs in the preterm-born group.

CONCLUSION

Circulating EMPs were higher in preterm-born children compared to children born full-term. Whether EMPs could act, in clinical practice, as a complementary tool for non-invasive evaluation of endothelium in preterm-born children, remains under investigation.

IMPACT

Circulating endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are small membrane vesicles released from endothelial cells and they act as novel biomarkers of endothelial activation and damage. No studies have investigated circulating EMPs in preterm-born individuals. Circulating EMPs were significantly higher in prepubertal preterm-born children compared to children born at term. In the preterm-born group, the hyperemic peak velocity of the brachial artery was independently associated with CD31(+)/CD42b(-) EMPs. Whether assessment of circulating EMPs could act, in clinical practice, as a complementary tool for non-invasive evaluation of endothelium in preterm-born children, remains to be defined in future investigations.

Bioprinting of Decellularized Porcine Cardiac Tissue for Large-Scale Aortic Models

Bioprinting is an emerging technique used to layer extrudable materials and cells into simple constructs to engineer tissue or arrive at in vitro organ models. Although many examples of bioprinted tissues exist, many lack the biochemical complexity found in the native extracellular matrix. Therefore, the resulting tissues may be less competent than native tissues—this can be especially problematic for tissues that need strong mechanical properties, such as cardiac or those found in the great vessels. Decellularization of native tissues combined with processing for bioprinting may improve the cellular environment for proliferation, biochemical signaling, and improved mechanical characteristics for better outcomes. Whole porcine hearts were decellularized using a series of detergents, followed by lyophilization and mechanical grinding in order to produce a fine powder. Temperature-controlled enzymatic digestion was done to allow for the resuspension of the decellularized extracellular matrix into a pre-gel solution. Using a commercial extrusion bioprinter with a temperature-controlled printhead, a 1:1 scale model of a human ascending aorta and dog bone shaped structures were printed into a reservoir of alginate and xanthium gum then allowed to crosslink at 37C. The bioengineered aortic construct was monitored for cell adhesion, survival, and proliferation through fluorescent microscopy. The dog bone structure was subjected to tensile mechanical testing in order to determine structural and mechanical patterns for comparison to native tissue structures. The stability of the engineered structure was maintained throughout the printing process, allowing for a final structure that upheld the dimensions of the original Computer-Aided Design model. The decellularized ECM (Ē = 920 kPa) exhibited almost three times greater elasticity than the porcine cardiac tissue (Ē = 330 kPa). Similarly, the porcine cardiac tissue displayed two times the deformation than that of the printed decellularized ECM. Cell proliferation and attachment were observed during the in vitro cell survivability assessment of human aortic smooth muscle cells within the extracellular matrix, along with no morphological abnormalities to the cell structure. These observations allow us to report the ability to bioprint mechanically stable, cell-laden structures that serve as a bridge in the current knowledge gap, which could lead to future work involving complex, large-scale tissue models.

Typ-1-Diabetes und kardiovaskuläre Risikofaktoren bei Kindern und Jugendlichen

Die langfristigen kardiovaskulären Folgen des Typ-1-Diabetes determinieren die Lebenserwartung betroffener Kinder und Jugendlicher. Risikofaktoren für deren Entwicklung sind eine längere Diabetesdauer bzw. Diabetesmanifestation im frühen Lebensalter, Hypertonie, Rauchen, hoher BMI sowie Fettstoffwechselstörungen. Das Management der kardiovaskulären Risikofaktoren bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Typ-1-Diabetes beinhaltet zum einen Screeningsmaßnahmen zur frühzeitigen Aufdeckung der pathologischen Veränderungen und zum anderen eine Lebensstilanpassung im Sinne einer ausgewogenen, normokalorischen Ernährung, regelmäßiger Bewegung sowie ggf. einer medikamentösen lipid- bzw. blutdrucksenkenden Therapie.

Die Leitlinien und Empfehlungen zur standardisierten Erkennung und Behandlung kardiovaskulärer Risikofaktoren bei jungen Menschen mit Typ-1-Diabetes sind bisher uneinheitlich formuliert und werden deshalb nicht immer im klinischen Alltag angewendet bzw. umgesetzt. Dies führt zu einer relevanten Unterversorgung dieser Patientengruppe. Dem gilt es mit mehr Forschungsansätzen und der Entwicklung eines universellen Prozederes zur Diagnostik und Therapie der kardiovaskulären Risikofaktoren entgegenzuwirken.

Nitric oxide-dependent micro- and macrovascular dysfunction occurs early in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction are both reported in children with type 1 diabetes (DM1) and may predict future cardiovascular events. In health, nitric oxide (NO) relaxes arteries and increases microvascular perfusion. The relationships between NO-dependent macro- and microvascular functional responses and arterial stiffness have not been studied in adolescents with DM1. Here, we assessed macro- and microvascular function in DM1 adolescents and age-matched controls at baseline and during an oral glucose challenge (OGTT). DM1 adolescents (n = 16) and controls (n = 14) were studied before and during an OGTT. At baseline, we measured: 1) large artery stiffness using both aortic augmentation index (AI) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV); 2) brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and forearm endothelial function using postischemic flow velocity (PIFV); and 3) forearm muscle microvascular blood volume (MBV) using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Following OGTT, AI, cfPWV, and MBV were reassessed at 60 min and MBV again at 120 min. Within individual and between-group, comparisons were made by paired and unpaired t tests or repeated measures ANOVA. Baseline FMD was lower (P = 0.02) in DM1. PWV at 0 and 60 min did not differ between groups. Baseline AI did not differ between groups but declined with OGTT only in controls (P = 0.02) and was lower than DM1 at 60 min (P < 0.03). Baseline MBV was comparable in DM1 and control groups, but declined in DM1 at 120 min (P = 0.01) and was lower than the control group (P < 0.03). There was an inverse correlation between plasma glucose and MBV at 120 min (r = -0.523, P < 0.01). No differences were noted between groups for V̇O2max (mL/min/kg), body fat (%), or body mass index (BMI). NO-dependent macro- and microvascular function, including FMD and AI, and microvascular perfusion, respectively, are impaired early in the course of DM1, precede increases of arterial stiffness, and may provide an early indicator of vascular risk.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to show that type 1 diabetes impairs multiple nitric oxide-dependent vascular functions.

Similar Myocardial Perfusion and Vascular Stiffness in Children and Adolescents with High Lipoprotein (a) Levels, in Comparison with Healthy Controls

Background and Aims

This study investigated the possible correlation between elevated lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) levels and early vascular aging biomarkers in healthy children and adolescents.

Methods

Twenty-seven healthy children/adolescents, mean age 9.9 ± 3.7 years, with high Lp(a) levels without other lipid abnormalities and 27 age- and sex-matched controls with normal Lp(a) levels, were included in the study. The investigation of possible early vascular aging was assessed by measuring vascular function indices: carotid intima-media thickness (c-IMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR).

Results

Although serum lipid values were within normal levels, mean values of total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B were higher in the group of children with high Lp(a) levels than controls (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively). Vascular function indices did not show significant differences, neither between the 2 groups nor in the subgroups of children with increased Lp(a) levels. These subgroups were defined by the presence or absence of family history of premature coronary artery disease. Lp(a) levels did not show a significant correlation with the other parameters studied, both regarding the whole sample (patients and controls), as well as in the subgroups of elevated Lp(a) levels. However, in the group of children with high Lp(a) levels, c-IMT and PWV were positively correlated with diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.427, p = 0.026 and r = 0.425, p = 0.030, respectively), while SEVR was negatively correlated with AIx (r = -0.455, p = 0.017).

Conclusions

Healthy children and adolescents with high Lp(a) levels do not yet have impaired vascular indices, compared to controls. However, in order to prevent early atherosclerosis, it is crucial to early identify and follow up children with high Lp(a) levels and positive family history of premature coronary disease or other cardiovascular risk factors.

Prevention of atherosclerosis from childhood

Cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis do not typically manifest before middle age; however, the disease process begins early in life. Preclinical atherosclerosis can be quantified with imaging methods in healthy populations long before clinical manifestations present. Cohort studies have shown that childhood exposure to risk factors, such as dyslipidaemia, elevated blood pressure and tobacco smoking, are associated with adult preclinical atherosclerotic phenotypes. Importantly, these long-term effects are substantially reduced if the individual becomes free from the risk factor by adulthood. As participants in the cohorts continue to age and clinical end points accrue, the strongest evidence linking exposure to risk factors in early life with cardiovascular outcomes has begun to emerge. Although science has deciphered the natural course of atherosclerosis, discovered its causal risk factors and developed effective means to intervene, we are still faced with an ongoing global pandemic of atherosclerotic diseases. In general, atherosclerosis goes undetected for too long, and preventive measures, if initiated at all, are inadequate and/or come too late. In this Review, we give an overview of the available literature suggesting the importance of initiating the prevention of atherosclerosis in early life and provide a summary of the major paediatric programmes for the prevention of atherosclerotic disease. We also highlight the limitations of current knowledge and indicate areas for future research.

Subclinical atherosclerotic predictive value of inflammatory markers in thalassemia intermedia patients

BACKGROUND

A high incidence of thromboembolic events is observed in thalassemia patients. This study investigated the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and lipid profile, iron metabolic indices (IMI), and inflammatory markers in β-thalassemia intermedia (β- TI) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-five β-TI patients at Assiut University Hospital and 34 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. We measured Lipid profile, IMI, high sensitive CRP (Hs-CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and compared the results between both groups. We used CIMT measurement as a marker for subclinical atherosclerosis. We used both univariate and multivariate analyses to test relations and independent predictors of CIMT.

RESULTS

β-TI patients had higher CIMT (P = 0.000). CIMT was positively correlated with absolute neutrophil count (ANC) (r = 0.320, p = 0.032), ferritin (r = 0.544, p = 0.000), Hs-CRP (r = 0.603, p = 0.000), and IL-6 (r = 0.520, p = 0.000). Hs-CRP was an independent predictor of CIMT (p = 0.000). Hs-CRP cut off value of 60.4 ug/dl has sensitivity of 63.3% and specificity of 93.3% in predicting premature atherosclerosis.

CONCLUSION

β-TI patients had higher CIMT despite the protective lipid profile. Hs-CRP was an independent predictor of CIMT.

Increased circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in prepubertal children born prematurely: a possible link between prematurity and cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) ensure vascular integrity and neovascularization. No studies have investigated EPCs in preterm-born children beyond infancy.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-six prepubertal children were enrolled: 63 preterm and 73 born at term (controls). Circulating CD34(+)/VEGFR-2(+)/CD45(-) and CD34(+)/VEGFR-2(+)/CD45dim EPCs were measured in preterm-born children compared to controls. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), neck circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively), fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, common carotid and abdominal aortic intima-media thickness (cIMT and aIMT, respectively), endothelium-dependent brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and echocardiographic parameters were also assessed.

RESULTS

Circulating CD34(+)/VEGFR-2(+)/CD45(-) and CD34(+)/VEGFR-2(+)/CD45dim EPCs were significantly higher in preterm-born children compared to controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). In total study population and in the preterm-born group, EPCs were significantly lower in children born to mothers with gestational diabetes compared to non-diabetic mothers. Prematurity was associated with higher WHR, neck circumference, SBP, DBP, cIMT, aIMT, mean pressure, and velocity of pulmonary artery; the peak velocity of the brachial artery was significantly lower in children born prematurely. In multiple regression analysis, preterm birth and maternal gestational diabetes were recognized as independent predictors of EPCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating EPCs were increased in prepubertal preterm-born children in comparison with peers born full-term. Maternal gestational diabetes was associated with a decrease in EPCs.

IMPACT

Mounting evidence supports the adverse effect of prematurity on cardiovascular health. However, the underlying mechanisms that could lead to endothelial dysfunction in preterm-born individuals are not fully understood. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) ensure vascular integrity, normal endothelial function and neovascularization. No studies have investigated the EPCs counts in peripheral blood beyond infancy in children born prematurely. Circulating EPCs were significantly higher in preterm-born prepubertal children compared to controls, thus indicating that prematurity is possibly associated with endothelial damage. In total study population and in the preterm-born group, maternal gestational diabetes was associated with decreased EPCs concentrations.

Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography for Detecting Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients With Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Myocardial ischemia and left ventricular dysfunction have been documented in young adults with familial hypercholesterolemia. We investigated whether speckle-tracking echocardiography can be used to detect subclinically impaired global and regional myocardial function in patients with this lipid disorder. This single-center study included 47 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and 37 healthy control subjects who underwent transthoracic Doppler echocardiography and speckle-tracking echocardiography from January 2003 through December 2016. Conventional echocardiographic and strain parameters in the 2 groups were analyzed and compared. Left ventricular dimensions were significantly larger at end-diastole (P=0.02) and end-systole (P=0.013), left ventricular walls were significantly thicker (P <0.0001), and the early transmitral/early diastolic mitral annular velocity ratio was significantly higher (P=0.006) in the patient group than in the control group. In the patient group, global longitudinal and circumferential strain values were significantly lower (P <0.0001) and global radial strain values significantly higher (P=0.006); all segmental longitudinal strain (P <0.04) and most segmental circumferential strain values (P ≤0.01) were significantly lower; and some segmental radial strains, especially at the apex, were significantly higher (P ≤0.04). However, average longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strains in the different segments of the 3 main coronary artery territories were significantly lower in the patient group (P <0.01). Global longitudinal strain (r=0.561; P=0.001) and global circumferential strain (r=0.565; P <0.0001) were inversely correlated with low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels. We conclude that speckle-tracking echocardiography can be used to detect subclinical global and regional systolic abnormalities in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Endothelial Cell-Specific Molecule-1 (Endocan) Levels in Obese Children

Obesity in children appears to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases later in life. Early development of insulin resistance (IR) may lead to endothelial dysfunction and increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) even in childhood. We compared endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (endocan) levels in pediatric obese patients with those in healthy controls to determine whether endocan could be used as a biological marker of complications caused by endothelial damage. In 80 obese pubertal children (44 males [M] and 36 females [F], mean age: 12.8 ± 2.5 years), anthropometric measurements, cIMT, endocan levels, and IR indices (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) were evaluated and compared with 80 healthy pubertal patients (42M/38F, mean age: 12.3 ± 3.2 years). High-resolution ultrasound was used to measure the cIMT. Obese children had higher levels of endocan compared with the controls (P < .001). Fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR were also higher in obese children (P < .001 for both). In addition, obese children had an increased cIMT (P < .001). In obese children, there was a significant correlation between cIMT and HOMA-IR (β = -1.314, P = .002) and between cIMT and endocan (β = .483, P = .004). Measuring cIMT and endocan levels (noninvasive investigations) in obese children, together with early preventive measures, could significantly decrease morbidity and mortality in adulthood.

Abdominal Aortic Intima-Media Thickness Predicts Coronary Artery Disease Severity in Patients With Stable Angina Pectoris: A Prospective Study

Accurately identifying coronary artery disease (CAD) is the key element in guiding the work-up of patients with suspected angina. Thickening of the arterial wall is a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to determine whether abdominal aortic intima-media thickness (AAIMT), which is the earliest zone of atherosclerotic manifestations, has a predictive value in CAD severity. A total of 255 consecutive patients who were referred for invasive coronary angiography due to suspected stable angina pectoris were prospectively included in the study. B-mode ultrasonography was used to determine AAIMT before coronary angiography. Coronary artery disease severity was assessed with the SYNTAX score (SS). A history of hypertension, age, dyslipidemia, and higher AAIMT (odds ratio: 2.570; 95%CI 1.831-3.608; P < .001) were independent predictors of intermediate or high SS. An AAIMT <1.3 mm had a negative predictive value of 98% for the presence of intermediate or high SS and 83% for obstructive CAD. In conclusion, AAIMT showed a significant and independent predictive value for intermediate or high SS. Therefore, AAIMT may be a noninvasive and useful tool for decision-making by cardiologists (eg, to use a more invasive approach).

Copeptin as a Biomarker of Atherosclerosis in Type 1 Diabetic Patients

AIM:

To evaluate copeptin as an early marker of atherosclerosis in adolescent type 1 diabetics.

METHODS:

Sixty-two type 1 diabetic patients and 50 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Serum copeptin, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, oxidised low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, carotid intimal medial thickness (cIMT), aortic intimal medial thickness (aIMT) and resistivity index were assessed for all participants in the study.

RESULTS:

HbA1c, albumin/creatinine ratio, lipid profile, OxlDL, copeptin, cIMT and aIMT were significantly higher in diabetic patients. Copeptin was higher in patients with positive cIMT and aIMT. Copeptin correlated with cIMT and aIMT. Stepwise multiple regression analysis found that copeptin correlated with aIMT. ROC curve showed that copeptin had 100 % specificity with aIMT and cIMT and 95.2 and 60,7 sensitivity with aIMT and cIMT respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Copeptin can be used as a marker for early detection of atherosclerosis of type 1 diabetic patients.

The Effect of Long-Term Atorvastatin Therapy on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness of Children With Dyslipidemia

Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) has been proposed as an early marker of subclinical atherosclerosis in high risk children. Children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia have greater cIMT than matched healthy controls or their unaffected siblings. Statin therapy may delay the progression of cIMT, although long-term studies in children are scarce. We evaluated the effect of atorvastatin treatment on cIMT in children with dyslipidemia. We studied 81 children/adolescents, 27 with severe dyslipidemia (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] ≥190 mg/dL) and 54 sex- and age-matched healthy controls; LDL-C ≤ 130 mg/dL and lipoprotein (a), Lp(a), ≤30 mg/dL. In the children with dyslipidemia, cIMT was measured twice, before and on treatment (18.2 ± 7.7 months). Anthropometric data, a full lipid profile, liver, kidney, and thyroid function were evaluated. Males with dyslipidemia had a greater cIMT than male controls after adjustment for other factors (P = .049). In addition, a nonstatistically significant decrease in cIMT was observed after treatment (P = .261). Treatment with atorvastatin resulted in a significantly improved lipid profile. Females with dyslipidemia had a significantly thinner cIMT than males. Children with normal and high Lp(a) levels had similar cIMT values. In conclusion, treatment with atorvastatin had a beneficial effect on the lipid profile and cIMT progression in children with severe dyslipidemia.

Cardiovascular disease in young People with Type 1 Diabetes: Search for Cardiovascular Biomarkers

Premature onset of cardiovascular disease is common in people with type 1 diabetes and is relatively understudied in youth. Several reports in adolescents and young adults with diabetes demonstrate evidence of arterial stiffness and cardiac dysfunction, yet critical gaps exist in our current understanding of the temporal progression of cardiac and vascular dysfunction in these youth, and mechanistic investigations with robust pathophysiologic assessment are lacking. This review attempts to summarize relevant cardiovascular studies concerning children, adolescents, and young adults with type 1 diabetes. We focus on imaging-based biomarkers routinely applied to youth and adults that are well-established in their ability to predict adjudicated cardiovascular outcomes, and their relevant physiologic interpretation. Particularly, we focus the attention to 1) cardiac ventricular strain imaging techniques which are known to be predictive of clinical outcomes in patients with heterogenous causes of heart failure, and 2) stiffness in large arteries, a well-established prognostic marker of cardiovascular events. We conclude that there remains an urgent need for sensitive and quantitative biomarkers to define the natural history of cardiac and vascular disease origination and progression in type 1 diabetes, and set the stage for interpreting interventional studies focused on preventing, reversing or slowing disease progression.

Increased risk of metabolic dysfunction in children conceived by assisted reproductive technology

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is the most widely used treatment for infertility and has resulted in millions of births worldwide. The safety of the offspring has been of the utmost concern. Previous studies suggested an increase in metabolic disorders in offspring later in life. The aim of the present study was to investigate metabolic changes at age 6-10 years in offspring conceived as a result of in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI).

METHODS

A total of 380 children born from IVF/ICSI and a matched control group of 380 naturally conceived children, all aged 6-10 years, were recruited. Anthropometric measures, ultrasound and serum tests were performed for body mass, glucose metabolism and lipid profiles, and examination of vasculature structure.

RESULTS

The children conceived by ART showed significantly higher fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels and HOMA-IR (adjusted β [95% CI]: fasting blood glucose 0.49 [0.42, 0.55]; log_e-transformed insulin 0.28 [0.20, 0.35]; log_e-transformed HOMA-IR 0.38 [0.30, 0.46]), as well as a lower HOMA-B and serum apolipoprotein A (ApoA) levels (adjusted β [95% CI]: log_e-transformed HOMA-B -0.19 [-0.27, -0.11]; ApoA -0.17 [-0.21, -0.13]), when compared with the control group. Furthermore, the ultrasound scan indicated elevated carotid intima-media thickness in children conceived by ART (β 0.13 [95% CI 0.12, 0.13]).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Children conceived by IVF/ICSI have a less favourable glucose and cardiovascular metabolic profile in childhood when compared with naturally conceived children. The underlying mechanisms and potential long-term consequences need to be elucidated in future studies. Graphical abstract.

Feasibility of intraoperative aortic root imaging in congenital heart surgery

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative vascular imaging is a useful tool to evaluate coronary ostia in congenital heart patients with suboptimal preoperative imaging findings. Additionally, vascular imaging has potential value for visualization of the ascending aortic intima media thickness (IMT) in certain clinical scenarios. This study sought to evaluate the feasibility of intraoperative vascular imaging of coronary ostia and IMT during congenital heart surgery.

METHODS

We describe the technique for performance of intraoperative vascular imaging by a pediatric cardiologist using a high-resolution linear sequential array transducer.

RESULTS

Intraoperative vascular imaging was obtained on seven patients. Coronary ostia were normal in all except one. This patient had congenital stenosis of the left coronary ostium discovered during intraoperative imaging and confirmed by the surgeon. In another patient with Williams syndrome, the IMT was noted to be prominent.

CONCLUSIONS

It is feasible to perform intraoperative vascular imaging in less than 5 minutes of operator's time and provides superior visualization of the coronary ostia and IMT.

Lipid management for cardiovascular risk reduction in type 1 diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the recent evidence for lipid management in type 1 diabetes (T1D) for cardiovascular risk reduction.

RECENT FINDINGS

Individuals with T1D are at increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with atherosclerosis beginning as early as adolescence. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and lipoprotein (a) are associated with increased cardiovascular risk in T1D. Although high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in T1D is often normal or higher than in nondiabetic controls, HDL in T1D has structural alterations, which make it proatherogenic rather than cardioprotective. Similarly, although LDL-C is not particularly elevated in T1D, LDL still contributes to cardiovascular risk. Studies in individuals with diabetes have primarily included T2D participants, with a much smaller number of T1D participants; such studies have shown that lipid-lowering therapies, such as statins, ezetimibe, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors reduce LDL-C levels and cardiovascular events in both those with and without diabetes. Individuals with T1D have increased cholesterol absorption, suggesting that ezetimibe may be particularly effective in T1D. Results of the REDUCE-IT trial show cardiovascular risk reduction from high-dose omega-3 fatty acid (Icosapent Ethyl) therapy in patients with diabetes (primarily type 2 diabetes), independent of triglyceride lowering, but similar data in T1D are currently lacking.

SUMMARY

Individuals with T1D are at high risk of cardiovascular disease, necessitating close lipid monitoring and management from adolescence through adulthood.

Circulating chemerin level may be associated with early vascular pathology in obese children without overt arterial hypertension - preliminary results

Background Elevated chemerin level is observed in patients with arterial hypertension. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between chemerin level, and parameters of blood pressure and arterial stiffness in children and adolescents with obesity but without arterial hypertension. Methods In 23 children with obesity (13 girls, mean age 9.3, SD 1.9, mean BMI SDS 3.9, SD 1.7) 24 h ABPM (Spacelabs 90,217, USA), common carotids and abdominal aorta intima media thickness measurements (Voluson 730, GE Medical System 8.5 and 3.5 MHz probes), body composition analysis (Tanita BC 418 S MA, Tokyo, Japan) were performed. Glucose, triglycerides, total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, liver enzymes, uric acid, creatinine, sodium, insulin and chemerin levels were assessed in blood sample taken after a 12-h fasting period. Results There was a significant correlation of circulating chemerin level with systolic blood pressure load in ABPM (r=0.5, p<0.05). Conclusion Elevated chemerin level may be associated with increased systolic blood pressure in obese children.

Epicardial Fat Thickness in Children with Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Its Relationship to Subclinical Atherosclerosis: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Thyroid hormones (TSH) play a key role in the working of the cardiovascular system, with direct effects on cardiac function, vascular system, and atherosclerotic factors. Epicardial adipose tissue, the visceral fat of the heart, has emerged as a new cardiometabolic risk marker because of its close anatomical proximity to the myocardium and coronary artery. This study aimed to evaluate epicardial fat thickness (EFT) in children with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) and its relation to early atherosclerotic changes.

METHODS

The study included 32 children with SH due to autoimmune thyroiditis and 32 healthy children matched for age and gender as control group. Patients and controls underwent anthropometric evaluation and measurement of fasting lipids, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). TSH, free thyroxine (FT4 and FT3) and antithyroid autoantibodies (antithyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies) were also measured. Conventional echo-cardiography was used to assess EFT. Noninvasive ultrasound was used to measure carotid intima-media thickness and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) responses.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, patients had higher atherogenic index (AI) and hs-CRP (p = 0.001 for each). Conventional echocardiography revealed that patients with SH had higher EFT (p = 01) and significantly lower FMD response compared with the control (p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, EFT values were significantly correlated with TSH (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.04-1.34; p = 0.01), hs-CRP (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.09-1.14; p = 0.001, AI (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.17-2.03; p = 0.001), and FMD response (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.14-2.53; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that EFT is higher in children with SH compared with controls and associated with FMD responses. Measurement of EFT by echocardiography in children with SH may help to identify those at high risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis.

Establishing reference values for macro- and microvascular measurements in 4-to-5 year-old children of the ENVIRONAGE prospective birth cohort

Cardiovascular risk factors are usually better tolerated, and can therefore be perceived as less harmful, at a young age. However, over time the effects of these adverse factors may persist or accumulate and lead to excess morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases later in life. Until now, reference values for the basic cardiovascular health characteristics of 4-to-6 year-old children are lacking. Within a follow-up study of the ENVIRONAGE (ENVIRonmental influence ON early AGE) birth cohort we assessed various cardiovascular measurements in 288 children aged 4–5 years. For the macrovasculature, we measured their blood pressure and examined the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery (CIMT), the arterial elasticity (including the pulse-wave velocity (PWV), carotid distensibility (DC) and compliance (CC) coefficients), the carotid β stiffness index (SIβ) and Young’s Elastic Modulus (YEM). Retinal microvascular traits included the Central Retinal Arteriolar Equivalent (CRAE) and Central Retinal Venular Equivalent (CRVE). Age of the study population averaged (±SD) 4.2 (±0.4 years. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 97.9 (±8.1) mmHg and 54.7(±7.6) mmHg, respectively. CIMT for the total population averaged 487.1 (±68.1) µm. The average stiffness values for DC, CC, SIβ, and PWV were 78.7 (±34.2) 10⁻³/kPa, 1.61 (±0.59) mm²/kPa and 4.4 (±2.4), and 3.7 m/s (±0.9) respectively. The mean determined for YEM was 163.2 kPa (±79.9). Concerning the microvasculature, the average CRAE was 180.9 (±14.2) µm and the corresponding value for CRVE was 251.0 (±19.7) µm. In contrast to the macrovasculature, a significant gender-related difference existed for the microvasculature: in boys, both the CRAE (178.8 µm vs 182.6 µm; p = 0.03) and CRVE (247.9 µm vs 254.0 µm; p = 0.01) were narrower than in girls. We have provided reference values for young children to understand changes in the early cardiovascular health trajectory. Establishing these reference values of cardiovascular phenotypes at this young age is necessary to develop targeted health promotion strategies as well as for better understanding of the life course changes of both small and large blood vessels.

Association of Family History of Cardiovascular Diseases in Boys Aged 12-13 Years with Structural and Functional Indicators of the Left Ventricle and Arterial Stiffness in the Age of 43-46 Years (Results of 32-Year Prospective Follow-up)

Aim. To evaluate the association of Family History (FH) of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in boys aged 12-13 years with the development of structural and functional changes in the left ventricle and stiffness of the main arteries in adulthood (43-46 years old) according to prospective study.

Material and methods. For the initial examination, boys were selected whose parents suffered from CVD at a young age or died prematurely from them (risk group). The comparison group was formed from a population sample of boys of a similar age without FH of CVD. The examination included a survey on a standard questionnaire, measurement of anthropometric indicators, blood pressure (BP), pulse counting, determination of the blood lipid spectrum. The intima-media complex thickness (IMT) of the common carotid arteries was measured; echocardiography and applanation tonometry were performed.

Results. The group with FH of CVD significantly (p<0.05) differed in childhood in terms of the body mass index (BMI) (18.8 vs 17.6 kg/m2), systolic BP (SBP) (117 vs 107 mm Hg), diastolic BP (DBP) (67 vs 56 mm Hg), average BP (81.8 vs 72.7 mm Hg) and triglycerides (0.79 vs 0.58 mmol/L). In adulthood, increased total cholesterol (TC) level (6.3 vs 5.8 mmol/L; p=0.036) and other indicators of atherogenesis were revealed in the risk group. The risk of fatal outcomes from CVD in the next 10 years in men with a family history of CVD in childhood was significantly higher compared to the control group (1.94 vs. 1.28; p <0.001). The main contribution to the total risk of fatal CVD in middle-aged men was made by TC and smoking. In the group with FH of CVD, higher stiffness of the arteries in adulthood was observed. There were found significant (p=0.002) intergroup differences in the IMT (0.73 vs 0.63 mm). A statistically significant positive relationship between BMI and some structural and functional indicators of the left ventricle and stiffness indicators of the main arteries was revealed. DBP and mean BP in childhood are associated with arterial stiffness in adulthood according to the parameters of central SBP and central DBP. BMI in boys is the most significant predictor for most structural and functional indicators of LV myocardial hypertrophy, in particular, LV myocardial mass (private R2=0.140) and interventricular septum thickness (R2=0.164; p=0.001), and arterial stiffness by central DBP parameter (R2=0.043; p=0.024) in adulthood. The risk of increased IMT development in males in adulthood with FH of CVD is 6.1 times higher than that of their peers without FH.

Conclusion. FH of CVD revealed in childhood in males is a risk factor for the development of early atherosclerosis and, due to its ease of detection, can be used as one of the criteria for the formation of high-risk groups for the purpose of primary prevention.

Real-time diameter of the fetal aorta from ultrasound

The automatic analysis of ultrasound sequences can substantially improve the efficiency of clinical diagnosis. This article presents an attempt to automate the challenging task of measuring the vascular diameter of the fetal abdominal aorta from ultrasound images. We propose a neural network architecture consisting of three blocks: a convolutional neural network (CNN) for the extraction of imaging features, a convolution gated recurrent unit (C-GRU) for exploiting the temporal redundancy of the signal, and a regularized loss function, called CyclicLoss, to impose our prior knowledge about the periodicity of the observed signal. The solution is investigated with a cohort of 25 ultrasound sequences acquired during the third-trimester pregnancy check, and with 1000 synthetic sequences. In the extraction of features, it is shown that a shallow CNN outperforms two other deep CNNs with both the real and synthetic cohorts, suggesting that echocardiographic features are optimally captured by a reduced number of CNN layers. The proposed architecture, working with the shallow CNN, reaches an accuracy substantially superior to previously reported methods, providing an average reduction of the mean squared error from 0.31 (state-of-the-art) to 0.09 mm 2 , and a relative error reduction from 8.1 to 5.3%. The mean execution speed of the proposed approach of 289 frames per second makes it suitable for real-time clinical use.

In utero teratogen exposure and cardiometabolic risk in 5-year-old children: a prospective pediatric study

Background: Aorta and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a measure of subclinical atherosclerosis and useful to assess cardiometabolic risk in the young. The in utero milieu may involve cardiometabolic programing and the development of cardiometabolic risk factors in children. Maternal smoking, alcohol consumption, and micronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy influence the development of the cardiovascular system through a process of DNA methylation.Aim: To explore an association between maternal smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy and intima media thickness in 5-year-old children for a low-income setting.Methods: Data were collected from 500 mother-child pairs at antenatal clinic visit, at birth, and at age 5 years. Anthropometric measurements were collected at birth and again at age 5 years. As well as clinical and ultrasound measurements at age 5 years. Clinical measurements, at age 5 years, included blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate. Ultrasound measurements of the aorta and carotid arteries IMT were performed at age 5 years. Main outcome of interest was effect of dual teratogen exposure on the ultrasound measures IMT as indication of cardiometabolic risk.Results: cIMT was significantly higher in children exposed to both alcohol and nicotine during pregnancy compared to those not exposed (p = .008). In separate linear models, dual in utero exposure (beta = 0.12; p = .01) and male sex (beta = 0.14; p = .01) were associated with higher right cIMT values (F(6,445) = 5.20; R² = 0.07, p < .01); male sex (beta = 0.13; p = .01) and low birth weight (beta = 0.07; p = .01) with higher left cIMT value (F(4,491) = 4.49; R² = 0.04; p = .01); and males sex (beta = 0.11; p = .02) with higher aorta IMT (F(6,459) = 5.63; R² = 0.07; p < .01). Significant positive correlations between maternal measures of adiposity, maternal MUAC (r = 0.10; p = .03), and maternal BMI (r = 0.12; p < .01) and right cIMT measurements adjusted for the BMI of the child at age 5 years as covariate. Blood pressure measurements at age 5 years were not significantly associated with IMT but, instead, correlated significantly and positively with the BMI of the child at age 5 years (p < .01).Conclusion: Children exposed to both maternal smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy presented with cardiometabolic risk factors 5 years after birth. In addition, maternal adiposity, male sex, and low birth weight were associated with higher IMT at age 5 years.

Cholesterol Disturbances and the Role of Proper Nutrition in CKD Patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widespread disease with increasing prevalence in the modern society. Lipid disturbances are common in this group of patients. In most patients with CKD atherogenic dyslipidemia is observed. Dyslipidemia in patients with renal diseases increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and it accelerates the progression of chronic kidney disease to its end stage. The amelioration of dyslipidemia and the lowering of oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, insulin sensitivity and remnant lipoproteins levels may lead to the reduction in cardiovascular burden. Nutritional interventions can strengthen the beneficial effect of treatment and they play an important role in the preservation of overall well-being of the patients with CKD since the aim of appropriate diet is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, prevent malnutrition, and hamper the progression of kidney disease. The management of dyslipidemia, regardless of the presence of chronic kidney disease, should be initiated by the introduction of therapeutic lifestyle changes. The introduction of diet change was shown to exert beneficial effect on the lipid level lowering that reaches beyond pharmacological therapy. Currently available evidence give the impression that data on dietary interventions in CKD patients is not sufficient to make any clinical practice guidelines and is of low quality.

Vascular Health of Children Conceived via In Vitro Fertilization

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether in vitro fertilization (IVF) has an effect on the cardiovascular health of offspring.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional pilot study. We performed vascular health assessment for 17 children aged 10-14 years who were conceived via IVF with autologous oocytes at Stanford University. Carotid artery ultrasound evaluated intima-media thickness and stiffness, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity determined segmental arterial stiffness, and endothelial pulse amplitude testing assessed endothelial function. We compared IVF offspring with control adolescents assessed in the same laboratory, with all comparisons adjusted for age, sex, and race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

All participants had normal body mass index and blood pressure. Compared with controls, IVF children had thicker common carotid artery intima-media thickness (0.44 ± 0.03 mm vs 0.38 ± 0.03 mm; P < .01), higher elastic modulus (395.29 ± 185.33 mm Hg vs 242.79 ± 37.69 mm Hg; P = .01), higher βstiffness (2.65 ± 0.38 vs 2.28 ± 0.23; P < .01), and higher peak velocity (142.29 ± 31.62 cm/s vs 117.71 ± 32.69 cm/s; P = .04). The mean endothelial pulse amplitude testing reactive hyperemia index was not significantly different between IVF and controls. The mean pulse wave velocity was 4.69 ± 0.51 m/s compared with the controls 4.60 ± 0.57 m/s (P = .11), with 8 (47%) having abnormal values.

CONCLUSION

In an assessment of endothelial function and arterial properties of children conceived via IVF, we found that children conceived via IVF seem to have evidence of abnormal vascular health. Further studies with larger sample size and long-term follow-up are warranted.

Plant-based diets for children as a means of improving adult cardiometabolic health

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the largest contributor to global mortality, and this trend is expected to continue. Although mortality rates have been falling, adverse developments in obesity and diabetes threaten to reverse this. It has been estimated that the only viable strategy to reduce the epidemic is to focus on population-wide risk factor reduction. Primordial prevention, a strategy aimed at avoiding the development of risk factors before the disease onset, has been shown to reduce the CVD epidemic substantially. Plant-based diets appear beneficial for prevention of cardiometabolic diseases, with adult vegetarians and vegans having lower CVD risk than omnivores. Atherosclerosis starts in childhood and progresses in relation to classical CVD risk factors, which, along with dietary habits, track to adulthood. Based on this evidence, it is proposed that plant-based diets in childhood could promote cardiometabolic health in adults and thereby reduce CVD and promote longevity and health. However, the need for additional research to establish the safety of predominantly or exclusively plant-based diets in children is noted.

Association of Assisted Reproductive Technologies With Arterial Hypertension During Adolescence

BACKGROUND

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been shown to induce premature vascular aging in apparently healthy children. In mice, ART-induced premature vascular aging evolves into arterial hypertension. Given the young age of the human ART group, long-term sequelae of ART-induced alterations of the cardiovascular phenotype are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

This study hypothesized that vascular alterations persist in adolescents and young adults conceived by ART and that arterial hypertension possibly represents the first detectable clinically relevant endpoint in this group.

METHODS

Five years after the initial assessment, the study investigators reassessed vascular function and performed 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) in 54 young, apparently healthy participants conceived through ART and 43 age- and sex-matched controls.

RESULTS

Premature vascular aging persisted in ART-conceived subjects, as evidenced by a roughly 25% impairment of flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery (p < 0.001) and increased pulse-wave velocity and carotid intima-media thickness. Most importantly, ABPM values (systolic BP, 119.8 ± 9.1 mm Hg vs. 115.7 ± 7.0 mm Hg, p = 0.03; diastolic BP, 71.4 ± 6.1 mm Hg vs. 69.1 ± 4.2 mm Hg, p = 0.02 ART vs. control) and BP variability were markedly higher in ART-conceived subjects than in control subjects. Eight of the 52 ART participants, but only 1 of the 43 control participants (p = 0.041 ART vs. controls) fulfilled ABPM criteria of arterial hypertension (>130/80 mm Hg and/or >95th percentile).

CONCLUSIONS

ART-induced premature vascular aging persists in apparently healthy adolescents and young adults without any other detectable classical cardiovascular risk factors and progresses to arterial hypertension. (Vascular Dysfunction in Offspring of Assisted Reproduction Technologies; NCT00837642.).