Abstract 1451

The onset of elevated blood pressure (hypertension) in the premature infant is a serious event causing immediate and perhaps long-term morbidity. Epidemiological studies in the adult suggest this risk (hypertension) is a continuum and is closely but inversely related to birth weight. We have previously reported elevated blood pressures at discharge in premature infants with birth weights less than 1000 gram (VLBW) when compared to infants with birth weights greater than 1000 gram (LBW).

Aim: To determine whether tracking of blood pressure is present earlier in this population, we have measured serially in 19 VLBW (<1000gm) premature infants over time and compared to a population of LBW (1000gm - 1500gm) and a full term (FT) population.

Method: Indirect blood pressure measurements (arm and calf) were obtained by automatic oscillometric technique in 19 VLBW patients, 10 LBW patients and 67 FT patients over time who were all in good health. The infants and children were quiet and seated in an infant seat. The average of the second and third measurements was used for all measurements and is reported below as mean arterial pressures (MAP). The numbers of patients examined at each interval are recorded in the parentheses.

Results: (Table)

Table 1 No caption available
Full size table

Conclusion: Our preliminary data suggests 1. that VLBW infants at discharge do have higher (p < 0.003) blood pressures than LBW prematures or full term infants. 2. that VLBW infants continue to track with blood pressures higher than their LBW and FT nursery mates. 3. and finally that this population should be carefully observed over time.