Intrauterine growth restriction and risk for arterial hypertension in later life. Ribeirao Preto birth cohort study

Abstract

BackgroundIntrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) may contribute to the risk of Arterial Hypertension (AH) in adulthood, but its impact after the 3rd decade of life, where environmental factors are prevalent, is still uncertain.Methods1,594 individuals with 38 and 39 years-old were evaluated from an original cohort of 6,824 newborns between 1978 and 1979. Biochemical tests, office BP, and anthropometric measurements were done. Also, questionnaires regarding data on income, habits, education, and information about birth were recorded. Krammer’s criteria defined IURG. Subclinical vascular damage was investigated using Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV).ResultsThe IURG group has higher BP [Systolic BP: 123.3±15.6 vs. 121.2± 13.4 (p=0.049); Diastolic BP: 79.1 ± 10.6 mmHg vs. 76.8 ± 9.9 mmHg (p=0.002)] and higher prevalence of HA [56 vs. 49%; OR=1.30 (1.1-1.8), p=0.04] than the control group. There were no differences in PWV and prevalence of early vascular aging (PWV > 2SD of the mean of normal age value) between groups.ConclusionIURG was associated with an increase in BP and with a higher risk of hypertension at the end of the third decade of life.