In adolescence, extreme prematurity is associated with significant changes in the microvasculature, elevated blood pressure and increased carotid intima-media thickness

Abstract

Preterm birth is associated with significant permanent alteration in the microcirculation and increased cIMT and systolic blood pressure. It is unknown whether these changes are due to preterm birth and rapid maturation of the skin or to nutritional factors, as previously thought. This is an important area of future research.