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Associations between respiratory and vascular function in early childhood

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 01:18 authored by Emily HemstockEmily Hemstock, Shao, J, Zhao, B, Hall, GL, Amanda WheelerAmanda Wheeler, Dharmage, SC, Melody, SM, Marita DaltonMarita Dalton, Foong, RE, Grant WilliamsonGrant Williamson, Katherine ChappellKatherine Chappell, Abramson, MJ, Kazuaki Negishi, Fay JohnstonFay Johnston, Graeme ZoskyGraeme Zosky

Background and objective: The link between respiratory and vascular health is well documented in adult populations. Impaired lung function is consistently associated with thicker arteries and higher incidence of cardiovascular disease. However, there are limited data on this relationship in young children and the studies that exist have focussed on populations at high risk of cardiorespiratory morbidity. We determined if an association exists between respiratory and cardiovascular function in young children and, if so, whether it is confounded by known cardiorespiratory risk factors.

Methods: Respiratory and vascular data from a prospective cohort study established to evaluate the health implications 3 years after coal mine fire smoke exposure in children aged 3–5 years were used. Respiratory function was measured using the forced oscillation technique and included resistance at 5 Hz (R5), reactance at 5 Hz (X5) and area under the reactance curve (AX). Vascular health was measured by carotid intima-media thickness (ultrasound) and pulse wave velocity (arterial tonometry). Regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between the respiratory Z-scores and cardiovascular measures. Subsequent analyses were adjusted for potential confounding by maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal education and exposure to fine particulate matter <2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5).

Results: Peripheral lung function (X5 and AX), but not respiratory system resistance (R5), was associated with vascular function. Adjustment for maternal smoking, maternal education and early life exposure to PM2.5 had minimal effect on these associations.

Conclusion: These observations suggest that peripheral lung stiffness is associated with vascular stiffness and that this relationship is established early in life.

History

Publication title

Respirology

Pagination

1-7

ISSN

1323-7799

Department/School

Menzies Institute for Medical Research

Publisher

Blackwell Publishing Asia

Place of publication

54 University St, P O Box 378, Carlton, Australia, Victoria, 3053

Rights statement

2021 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Air quality; Neonatal and child health

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