Abstract
We aimed to investigate the association between birth parameters with blood pressure (BP) among preschool- and school-aged children. Two separate childhood datasets were used: (1) 1295 children aged 3–6 years were examined during 2007–2009; and (2) 1741 and 2353 children aged 6 and 12 years, respectively, were examined during 2004–2006. Birth parameter data were obtained from parental records. BP was measured using standard protocols. Among 6-year-old children, each 1 kg decrease in birth weight was associated with a 1.33- and 1.20-mm Hg higher systolic and diastolic BP, respectively, after multivariable adjustment. In 6-year-old children, a decrease of 1 week in gestational age was independently associated with a 0.33- and 0.37-mm Hg higher systolic and diastolic BP, respectively. Six-year-old children in the low birth weight category (⩽2499 g) versus those in the normal/high birth weight category (⩾2500 g) had significantly higher systolic BP (P<0.0001). Girls in the low birth weight category versus those in the normal/high weight category had higher systolic BP (P=0.02). Significant associations were not observed among preschool-aged children and preadolescents. Birth weight and gestational age were strongly associated with BP among 6-year-old children, particularly girls, but not among preschoolers or preadolescents.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 79-84 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Human Hypertension |
Volume | 27 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- blood pressure
- birth weight
- Sydney Pediatric Eye Study
- Sydney Childhood Eye Study