Maternal venous hemodynamics in gestational hypertension and preeclampsia

BACKGROUND: To evaluate characteristics of venous hemodynamics, together with cardiac and arterial function, in uncomplicated pregnancies (UP), non-proteinuric gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia (PE). METHODS: In this observational cross-sectional study, venous hemodynamics was assessed using a standardised protocol for combined electrocardiogram (ECG)-Doppler ultrasonography, together with a non-invasive standardised cardiovascular assessment using impedance cardiography (ICG) in 13 women with UP, 21 with GH, 34 with late onset PE ≥ 34 w (LPE) and 22 with early onset PE 15% higher (P ≤ .010) in LPE and EPE, as compared to GH and UP. Next to this, >30% lower values for VI and ACI (P ≤ .029), and > 15% lower values for APTT (P ≤ .012) were found in GH, LPE and EPE, as compared to GH. CONCLUSION: In comparison to UP, similar abnormalities of central arterial function and APTT were found in GH, EPE and LPE. Proteinuria of LPE and EPE was associated with increased RIVI, this was not observed in GH.status: publishe