Exploring the Potential to Identify Early Development Pre-Atherosclerotic Disease in Pediatric Carotid Arteries

Objective: The aim of these analyses was to determine the potential development of increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and spectral Doppler velocity in a cohort of children who were eligible for federal nutrition support services. Materials and Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted based on data collected during a larger randomized clinical trial. Data were pulled on 108 children, ages 8 to 11 years, who had both cIMT measures, as well as spectral Doppler data, at the level of measured intimae. Additional data such as vessel geometry, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure (BP) were added to the analysis to provide additional descriptive data. Results: The posterior cIMT data provided the best visualization and measurements to assess the presence of early risk for atherosclerosis. In this cohort of 8- to 11-year-olds, the median spectral Doppler values did not exceed the published values for these ages, nor did their systolic blood pressure. In this group, 77 (71%) were classified as having a healthy BMI. However, the posterior cIMT data were compared to published measures of pediatric cIMT values and 60 children (55%) exceeded the expected mean thickness of 0.38 mm + 0.04 on the right and 58 (53%) on the left. Conclusion: The use of spectral Doppler to assess the risk of developing atherosclerosis may not be the best diagnostic tool, based on this cohort. The measurement of cIMT has the most promise to proper classify healthy appearing 8- to 11-year-olds, for early signs of diminished cardiovascular health.