A serial ultrasound investigation of the effects of moderate preterm birth on the cardiovascular system and kidneys of sheep from birth to adulthood.

Individuals born prematurely are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in adulthood, with males at greater risk than females. Ultrasound imaging was used to compare the heart, major conduit arteries and kidneys in a sheep model from moderately preterm birth to early adulthood. Moderately preterm birth, per se, had little overall effect on the cardiovascular system and kidneys, suggesting future studies directed at the contribution of maternal and fetal co-morbidities to increased cardiovascular risk associated with preterm delivery are warranted. Our findings will help inform the management and future serial in vivo surveillance of individuals born moderately premature.