Open AccessThe effects of preterm birth and its antecedents on the cardiovascular system
Author(s) -
Bensley Jonathan G.,
De Matteo Robert,
Harding Richard,
Black Mary J.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1111/aogs.12880
Subject(s) - medicine , chorioamnionitis , intrauterine growth restriction , in utero , obstetrics , pregnancy , premature birth , disease , heart disease , pediatrics , fetus , gestation , genetics , biology
Abstract Introduction Preterm birth occurs in approximately 10% of all births worldwide. It prematurely exposes the developing cardiovascular system to the hemodynamic transition that occurs at birth and to the subsequent functional demands of life ex utero. This review describes the current knowledge of the effects of preterm birth, and some of its common antecedents (chorioamnionitis, intra‐uterine growth restriction, and maternal antenatal corticosteroid administration), on the structure of the myocardium. Material and methods A thorough literature search was conducted for articles relating to how preterm birth, and its antecedents, affect development of the heart. Given that sheep are an excellent model for the studies of cardiac development, this review has focused on experimental studies in sheep as well as clinical findings. Results Our review of the literature demonstrates that individuals born preterm are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life, including increased mean arterial pressure, abnormally shaped and sub‐optimally performing hearts and changes in the vasculature. The review highlights how antenatal corticosteroids, intra‐uterine growth restriction, and exposure to chorioamnionitis also have the potential to impact cardiac growth in the preterm newborn. Conclusions Preterm birth and its common antecedents (antenatal corticosteroids, intra‐uterine growth restriction, and chorioamnionitis) have the potential to adversely impact cardiac structure immediately following birth and in later life.