First Database of Arterial Function (Aix, PWVao, SBPao) from healthy children and adolescents
Introduction: The clinical value of non-invasive measurement of augmentation index (Aix), aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) and central systolic blood pressure (SBPao) to assess arterial function have been proven in several pathological conditions. However we missed database of these parameters from healthy chidren and adolescents. Aim: To assess the physiological changes of Aix, PWVao and SBPao in healthy subjects aged 3-18 years. Methods: We used a new oscillometric method (Arteriograph, TensioMed Ltd., Hungary), which is simple (upper arm cuff), fast (2-3 minutes) and user independent. Data were collected from healthy subjects with normal peripherial BP and BMI (889 boys, 1042 girls). Results: Aix decreased with growing-up age from -20.7% to -65.5% in boys (R=0.57), and from -17.7% to -57.7% in girls (R=0.43). PWVao increased from 5.6 m/s to 6.8 m/s in boys (R=0.45), and from 5.9 m/s to 6.7 m/s in girls (R=0.37). Peripherial SBP increased yearly in both gender, from 101.7 to 128.1 mmHg (boys) and from 103.8 to 119.3 mmHg (girls). However central SBPao only slightly increased in boys(from 104.0 to 110.3 mmHg), and even decreased in girls (from 108.7 to 105,2 mmHg). Conclusions: We set-up the first database of arterial stiffness parameters in healthy population aged 3-18 years using a new oscillometric method (Arteriograph). We described first the relationship between central and peripherial SPB in this population (increasing peripherial SBP and relatively constant central SPBao during the adolescent age). Our fidings may play important role to define the border between normal and abnormal arterial function parameters.