Endothelial function and mechanical properties of the common carotid artery in children on parenteral nutrition.

Intravenous administration of nutrition mixtures induces endothelial damage and arterial wall remodeling in animal models. To study endothelial function and common carotid artery mechanical properties in children receiving parenteral nutrition, we used noninvasive ultrasonic measurements in 18 children on parenteral nutrition and 18 controls. No difference appeared in the geometry of the common carotid artery (intima media thickness, systolic and diastolic diameters) between the patients on parenteral nutrition and the controls. The incremental elastic modulus was significantly higher in the patients on parenteral nutrition (1.8 +/- 0.4 versus 1.4 +/- 0.5 4 mm Hg x 10(3), p < 0.05) reflecting alteration of the elastic properties of the arterial wall independent of the vessel geometry. The flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery was significantly lower in the patients on parenteral nutrition (6 +/- 3 versus 8 +/- 3%, p < 0.05), whereas the dilatation after glyceryl trinitrate administration was similar (22 +/- 9 versus 25 +/- 9%). Children on parenteral nutrition exhibit endothelial dysfunction and altered stiffness of the common carotid artery. The noninvasive methods used in this study may prove useful for objectively determining the effects of various preventive methods.