The Kidney and Cardiovascular Health of Young Adults Born Prematurely: Insights from the HAPI Study
I am always impressed by the resilience of premature babies who grow up to become active and healthy young adults. But what about their long-term health? This is an important question, and it is precisely what the HAPI study (Health of Adults Born Preterm Investigation) has sought to understand.
Led by Anne Monique Nuyt and Thuy Mai Luu, this study, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), focuses on the health of young adults born before 29 weeks of gestation.
Smaller Kidneys, but Normal Kidney Function
The kidneys of young adults born prematurely are smaller when observed via ultrasound. However, kidney function, a key indicator of renal health, remains in the norm. This is excellent news, young adults suffer from kidney dysfunction.
However, another finding caught our attention: the blood pressure of young adults born prematurely is slightly higher than that of those born at term. Moreover, the smaller their kidneys, the higher their blood pressure tends to be.
An Important Message for Medical Follow-Up
These results, published in the journal Hypertension, confirm what we suspected: young adults born prematurely should monitor their cardiovascular and kidney health. Even though their kidney function is currently stable, it is crucial to t undergo regular check-ups to check for high blood pressure and manage it if necessary. The problem is that many doctors are not aware of these findings. It is important for adults born preterm to mention their birth to physicians.
Prevention is Better than Cure
If you were born prematurely or have a child who was, these results should not alarm you but rather encourage you to adopt healthy lifestyle habits:
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly, especially in adulthood.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to protect your heart and kidneys.
- Do not smoke
- Engage in regular physical activity to support cardiovascular health.
- Consult a healthcare professional for appropriate follow-ups if you were born prematurely.
We must continue advancing research on the long-term health of premature infants. Thanks to studies like HAPI, we are gaining a better understanding of the specific challenges these young adults face. More importantly, we can take preventive measures to help them live healthy lives.
Learn more: 2018-Paquette-HAPI-renal-HYPERTENSIONAHA.118.11397.pdf