Cardiac Function and Metabolism in Young Adults Born Premature (PET-MRI)

Cardiac Function and Metabolism in Young Adults Born Premature

The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of premature birth on later heart function and metabolism.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of premature birth on cardiac function, cardiac metabolism, and oxidative stress in a cohort of young adults born prematurely using cardiac positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging and mitochondrial respiration studies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• National Lung Project Cohort only- birth weight <1500g and a gestational age <36 weeks
• Adults born preterm (Non-National Lung Project) only- gestational age ≤32 weeks OR birth weight ≤ 3lbs 5oz
• Healthy Controls only- No personal history of known cardiovascular or pulmonary disease

Exclusion Criteria:

• Metabolic Disorders that would affect Fludeoxyglucose uptake
• Contraindications to positron emission tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging
• Pregnancy, if a female of child-bearing potential
• A personal history of Type I or Type II diabetes