Effect of preterm birth on blood pressure in later life: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Preterm birth is linked to various complications in both infancy and adulthood. We assessed the association between preterm birth and hypertension in adulthood. Materials and Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL Register were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing systolic and diastolic blood pressures in individuals born preterm and those born full-term, from inception till April 11th, 2022. Data were extracted, pooled, and analyzed. Forest plots were created for a visual demonstration. Results: Twenty-eight studies were included in our meta-analysis. SBP and DBP across all categories (Mean, Ambulatory, Daytime, and Nighttime) were higher in the preterm group compared to the term group. Mean SBP, mean ambulatory SBP, mean daytime SBP and mean nighttime SBP were 4.26 mmHg [95% CI: 3.09–5.43; P < 0.00001], 4.53 mmHg [95% CI: 1.82–7.24; P = 0.001], 4.51 mmHg [95% CI: 2.56–6.74; P < 0.00001], and 3.06 mmHg [95% CI: 1.32–4.80; P = 0.0006] higher in the preterm group, respectively. Mean DBP, mean ambulatory DBP, mean daytime DBP, and mean nighttime DBP were 2.32 mmHg [95% CI: 1.35–3.29; P < 0.00001], 1.54 mmHg [95% CI 0.68–2.39; P = 0.0004], 1.74 mmHg [95% CI: 0.92–2.56; P < 0.0001], and 1.58 mmHg [95% CI: 0.34–2.81; P = 0.01] higher in the preterm group, respectively. Conclusion: Our observations suggest that individuals who were born preterm may have higher blood pressures as compared to those who were born full-term.