Pulse wave velocity in South African women and children: comparison between the Mobil-O-Graph and SphygmoCor XCEL devices

Abstract

Background: Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the gold-standard noninvasive measure of arterial stiffness. Data comparing tonometry-based devices such as the SphygmoCor XCEL to simpler brachial-cuff-based estimates of PWV, such as from the Mobil-O-Graph in African populations are sparse. We therefore aimed to compare PWV measured by the Mobil-O-Graph and the SphygmoCor XCEL device in a sample of South African women and children. Methods: Women ( n = 85) 29 years [interquartile range (IQR): 29–69] and their children/grandchildren ( n = 27) 7 years (IQR: 4–11) were recruited for PWV measurement with Mobil-O-Graph and SphygmoCor XCEL on the same day. Wilcoxon signed-rank test, regression analysis, spearman correlation and Bland–Altman plots were used for PWV comparison between devices. Results: For adults, the SphygmoCor XCEL device had a significantly higher PWV (7.3 m/s, IQR: 6.4–8.5) compared with the Mobil-O-Graph (5.9 m/s, IQR: 5.0–8.1, P = 0.001) with a correlation coefficient of 0.809 ( P ≤ 0.001). Bland--Altman analysis indicated an acceptable level of agreement but significant bias (mean difference PWV: 0.90 ± 1.02 m/s; limits of agreement: −1.10 to 2.90). The odds of having a PWV difference more than 1 m/s decreased with a higher age [odds ratio (OR): 0.95, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.92–0.98] and increased with greater height (OR: 1.10, 95% CI = 1.01–1.21, P = 0.03) in multivariable analysis. In children, the Bland–Altman indicated an excellent level of agreement (−0.03 ± 0.63 m/s; limits of agreement: −1.26 to 1.21), but no correlation was found ( r s = 0.08, P = 0.71). Conclusion: Particularly in younger and taller women, the Mobil-O-Graph significantly underestimated PWV compared with the SphygmoCor. Although no correlation was found between the two devices for children, further research is required due to the small sample size. Furthermore, the clinical value of both methods in young African populations requires further investigation.

The Role of Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity in a Metabolic Syndrome Patient with Sudden Cardiac Arrest: A Case Report

“…CfPWV can be measured using different devices including tonometry, oscillometry, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging [20]. Among these techniques, pressure sensors like tonometers are considered as a low-cost method for measuring PWV [21,22]. For instance, a traditional imaging modality, such as a CT scanner or an MRI machine, costs a million dollars, while a CfPWV measuring device is far more affordable, with prices ranging from around USD 26,000 to USD 100,000.…”

An Overview of Vascular Dysfunction and Determinants: The Case of Children of African Ancestry

“…Studies utilize this device to measure PWV (87,88). A study in South Africa has equally utilized this device to assess PWV in pre-eclamptic women (89). Although this device is reported to be effective in assessing PWV, its major disadvantage is difficulty in obtaining the peripheral waveform.…”

“…It is used to measure arterial stiffness and wave reflection strength (91). A study in South Africa reports that further studies are required to investigate the accuracy of PWV measurements by Sphygmocor XCEL (89). This device is preferable over the Sphygmocor CvMS because it is not operator-dependent (92).…”