Endothelial function in children with a history of premature prolonged rupture of membranes and bronchopulmonary dysplasia – a pilot study

Aim: To investigate vascular function in children with a neonatal history of generalised inflammation indicated by premature prolonged rupture of membranes (PPROM) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Methods: Children born at ≤ 30 weeks 1994–2000 were investigated at a present age of 6–12 years. Twenty-eight children participated and were divided into two groups with regard to BPD/no BPD (n = 15/13) and PPROM/no PPROM (n = 10/18). Vascular endothelial function was assessed by acetylcholine (ACh)-induced skin vasodilatation. Results: Maximum ACh-induced skin perfusion was statistically significantly lower in the PPROM group compared with the non-PPROM group (p = 0.045) after adjustment for confounders. We found no association between BPD and maximum ACh-induced skin perfusion (p = 0.404), after adjustment for confounders. Conclusion: A neonatal history of prolonged premature rupture of membranes was associated with later impairment of vascular endothelial function in childhood. This association was not observed with BPD. Some forms of perinatal inflammation may be associated with later cardiovascular function.