Cardiovascular effects of very preterm birth at adolescence: A longitudinal cohort study

We hypothesise that adolescents born very preterm will by 17 years of age have evidence of the late effects of prematurity with altered markers of cardiovascular function and early signs of the metabolic syndrome.

The aims of this study are to: Assess the early markers of cardiovascular morbidity by evaluation of cardiac structure and function using detailed echocardiography and ultrasound measurement of carotid artery intimal medial thickness in a very preterm cohort and term controls now aged 17; Identify the neonatal, growth and post discharge environmental risk for cardiovascular morbidity such as hypertension, obesity, and early atherosclerosis in very preterm infants; and to develop and evaluate an educational module focusing on the potential to reduce known cardiac risk factors for young people born term and preterm.

This study is part of a wider study of this cohort which includes respiratory, neurological, cognitive, educational and psychological/psychiatric assessment.