Features of arterial stiffness in preschool children

The prognostic significance of arterial stiffness in children is currently being actively studied. The aim of the study was to identify the characteristics of arterial stiffness and develop criteria for increased and decreased (supernormal) arterial stiffness in preschool children. Material and methods. Twenty-four preschool children (10 boys and 14 girls) aged 62.3 ± 11.5 months were examined. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was determined by sphygmography (cfPWVs) and using Doppler ultrasound (cfPWVd). The difference between the time from the apex of the R wave on the ECG to the onset of the Doppler signal on the common femoral artery and the time from the apex of the R wave to the onset of the Doppler signal on the common carotid artery was taken as the pulse wave propagation time (t). The length of the arterial bed (L) was measured with a tape measure between the signal location points and multiplied by 0.8. Results. The values of cfPWVs and cfPWVd were 4.40 [4.10; 4.60] (median [lower quartile; upper quartile]) and 4.03 [3.81; 4.23] m/s, respectively ( p = 0.015). The direct correlation between cfPWVs and cfPWVd ( r = 0.536; p = 0.008) was established. Both indicators are directly related to the level of diastolic blood pressure. The boundaries of reference intervals for increased and decreased arterial stiffness in this age group were determined (more than 4.89 m/s for cfPWVs and more than 4.88 m/s for cfPWVd). Conclusions. Sphygmographic and Doppler ultrasound methods of registration show comparable values of cfPWV and can be used to assess arterial stiffness in preschool children.