Age-specific reference values for pulse wave velocity in paediatric populations: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Óscar Martínez-Cifuentes, Peter M Nilsson, Alicia Saz-Lara et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis pooled observational studies reporting pulse wave velocity (PWV) in healthy children to establish age-specific reference values. Ten studies were included. PWV followed a nonlinear age pattern: the pooled mean was 5.33 m/s at ages 0–5 years, fell to 4.93 m/s at ages 6–8 years, then rose progressively to 5.80 m/s at ages 15–18 years. The pattern was consistent across sexes. The authors identify age as the primary determinant of childhood arterial stiffness, while noting substantial between-study heterogeneity and evidence suggesting publication bias.
Key findings
- Pooled mean PWV was 5.33 m/s at ages 0–5 years and 4.93 m/s at ages 6–8 years.
- PWV then increased progressively, reaching 5.80 m/s at ages 15–18 years; the pattern was consistent across sexes.
- Substantial heterogeneity was detected, and Egger's test suggested publication bias across several age groups.
Why it matters
PWV is a marker of arterial stiffness, and age-related changes during childhood mean that interpretation depends on developmental stage. Age-specific reference values may help distinguish expected variation from potentially accelerated vascular aging and support cardiovascular risk assessment in children. The reported heterogeneity and possible publication bias, however, warrant caution when applying pooled estimates.
What to keep in mind
The synthesis included only ten observational studies and found substantial between-study heterogeneity and evidence suggesting publication bias.