A longitudinal study using ultrasound to assess flow-mediated dilatation in normal human pregnancy. |
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| Authors: | Ann E Quinton Colleen-M Cook Michael J Peek |
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| Affiliation: | Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, NSW, Australia. aquinton@med.usyd.edu.au |
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| Abstract: | OBJECTIVE: To develop normal ranges of endothelial function in normal human pregnancy to use as a screening test for preeclampsia. METHODS: In this longitudinal study, women were studied five times during pregnancy and once postpartum using flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). FMD is a noninvasive ultrasound technique used to assess endothelial function. Healthy nonpregnant women were controls. RESULTS: FMD increased non-significantly in pregnancy until 32 weeks, when it decreased significantly at 36+ weeks (n = 47). CONCLUSION: The fall in FMD in the third trimester has not been previously reported. This indicates the importance of gestational age when assessing FMD as a screening test for preeclampsia. |
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