Heart rate variability after hospital discharge in perinatal risk populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Perinatal risk factors such as preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and low birth weight are linked to elevated cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental risk. Heart rate variability (HRV) is widely used to assess autonomic function in these populations, yet findings remain inconsistent. While autonomic differences during the NICU period are well established, less is known about HRV after hospital discharge across childhood and adulthood.