Noninvasive Study of Vascular Wall Characteristics and Cardiovascular Risk in Children and Adolescents Using VICORDER Device

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the characteristics of the blood vessel walls in children and adolescents, both with and without heart disease, to better understand cardiovascular risk early in life. The focus is on arterial stiffness, a key factor linked to cardiovascular disease and mortality in adults, which can begin developing in childhood. This study uses a noninvasive device called VICORDER to measure arterial stiffness and assess cardiovascular risk factors in young patients. The study involves a simple, noninvasive test using the VICORDER device, which works like a blood pressure cuff connected to a computer. The device measures pulse wave velocity PWV, an indicator of arterial stiffness, by inflating and deflating cuffs on the arms and legs. The procedure is quick, easy, and well tolerated, making it suitable for children aged 6 to 17. The study includes patients treated or admitted in pediatric emergency departments and follows them for about one year. Participants will be assessed using the VICORDER device during outpatient visits or hospital stays, with cooperation needed for accurate measurements. Researchers will compare arterial stiffness in children with and without cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions. The main outcome is whether arterial stiffness is higher in those with risk factors. The study also monitors safety and device tolerability throughout. Participation can last around one year, with data collected to help improve early cardiovascular risk detection in youth.

Study of the Characteristics of the Vascular Wall in Pediatric Age