Association of birth weight with blood pressure and renal function variables in children aged 3 to 6 years

INTRODUCTION:Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) has recently been related to an increase in blood pressure figures in different countries.OBJECTIVEThe objective of this research was to evaluate the relationship between blood pressure and kidney function with birth weight in children aged 3 to 6 years.MATERIAL AND METHODSThirty-two healthy, normotensive children with a history of low birth weight due to IUGR or normal birth weight, aged between 3 and 6 years, were studied in the Marianao municipality of Havana. Their nutritional status was determined based on their body surface area, using the Haycock formula expressed in square meters. Arterial, systolic and diastolic pressures were measured using the Riva Rocci-Korotkoff method, calculating the average. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined using the Schwartz 2 formula (GFR WS) and Pottel for serum creatinine and for serum Cystatin C using Pottel. The renal and blood pressure variables were adjusted to body surface area and analyzed using Pearson's correlation. Ethical standards for research on humans were respected.RESULTSSystolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures, as well as GFR, were inversely correlated with birth weight. Children with a history of low birth weight due to IUGR presented higher blood pressure values, although not pathological with respect to their peers; the IFG values in this group of children were higher with respect to their peers, calculated both by creatinine through the Pottel method and serum Cystatin C.CONCLUSIONThere is a tendency for higher blood pressure values in children with low birth weight due to IUGR. The correlation between IFG and birth weight supports theories about the influence of hyperfiltration on high blood pressure, so we suggest more extensive studies of the variables studied, as well as the use of the Pottel formula for its study.