530
P. G. McPhee et al.
statistically representative sample size. However, the
large age range provided support for us to investigate
the effects of age on traditional and non-traditional risk
factors for CVD. Thirdly, we did not include a direct
comparator group, as this was not the primary objective
of the study. Instead, we referenced studies that have
investigated changes in non-traditional risk factors
for CVD in the general population to characterize the
relevance of our findings. However, a matched cohort
group of typically developing adolescents and adults
undergoing the same assessments of CVD risk using
the same techniques would provide subsequent support
for altered risk patterns in this population. Another
limitation was that we did not collect medication lists
from each participant. However, none of the partici-
pants reported a medical history of CVD. Finally, we
adopted BMI cut-points from the adult population in
this study, despite 4 participants at baseline and one
participant at follow-up being under 18 years of age.
Conclusion
This was the first study to provide longitudinal
evaluation of traditional and non-traditional risk factors
for CVD in individuals with CP. Changes in risk factors
for CVD were observed in the majority of individuals
with CP at a relatively young age over a relatively short
period of time (i.e. 4 years). Key implications from this
study include evidence for the importance of clinical
screening for CVD risk, particularly measuring cIMT
and brachial artery FMD, to assess changes over time
in individuals with CP in adolescence and adulthood.
The findings will be used to inform future studies to
further understand and improve cardiovascular health
in individuals ageing with CP, ideally in a larger
sample size with an opportunity to include other
health variables that might explain risk of CVD in
this population (e.g. sex hormones, nutrition status,
physical activity, medications, etc.). This is particularly
important, as persons with CP represent a population
that is living longer, yet changes to their clinical health
remain to be determined.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Dr Jan Willem Gorter holds the Scotiabank Chair in Child
Health Research.
The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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