In my research, we investigate how very preterm birth and fetal growth restriction affect the heart, the greater vessels, and the kidneys in adolescence. We also aim to assess whether fetal growth restriction exacerbates the effects of preterm birth.

There is a strong association between preterm birth and fetal growth restriction to future hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and chronic kidney disease. However, before the current cohort was born, landmark improvements in perinatal management were introduced. Short-term morbidity and mortality have been assessed but the long-term effects are unknown.

To assess the long-term cardiovascular and renal effects of preterm birth and fetal growth restriction we combine magnetic resonance imaging of the heart, vessels, and kidneys with 24-hour blood pressure measurements and standard clinical and new biochemical markers of cardiovascular and renal function. These methods are sensitive also for subtle changes and will give insight into the mechanisms at play and possibly reveal if changes in perinatal management lessened the negative trajectory of preterm birth and fetal growth restriction.