Augmentation index and pulse wave velocity in normotensive versus preeclamptic pregnancies: a prospective case–control study using a new oscillometric method. (31st December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anthoulakis, Christos; Mamopoulos, Apostolos
• Is Part Of: Annals of medicine. Volume 54:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2022-12-31
• Subjects: Cardiovascular diseases -- pre-eclampsia -- pregnancy complications -- pulse wave analysis -- vascular stiffness; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2021.2014553
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0785-3890

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate whether oscillometric AS measurements are different in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia (PE). Study design: This was a prospective case–control study in singleton pregnancies that had been diagnosed with PE ( n = 46) versus normotensive controls ( n = 46) between 2014 and 2019. In the case group, pregnancies complicated by PE were classified as either early-onset (<34 weeks of gestation) or late-onset (≥34 weeks of gestation) PE and subgroup analysis was performed. Main outcome measures: Pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (Alx), and Alx at a heart rate of 75 beats per minute (Alx-75) were measured using a brachial cuff-based automatic oscillometric device (Mobil-O-Graph 24 h PWA). Results: In pregnancies complicated by PE, in comparison with normotensive pregnancies, there were significant differences in PWV ( p ˂ .001), and Alx-75 ( p ˂ .001). In pregnancies complicated by early-onset PE, in comparison with pregnancies complicated by late-onset PE, there were significant differences in PWV ( p = .006), and Alx-75 ( p = .009). There was no significant difference in Alx in either of the analyses. Conclusions: PWV and Alx-75 are higher in pregnancies complicated by PE, in comparison with normotensive pregnancies, as well as in early-onset PE, in comparison with late-onset PE. Key messages: Pulse wave velocity is higher in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Augmentation index at a heart rate of 75 beats per minute is higher in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Arterial stiffness assessment is a promising risk-stratification tool for future cardiovascular complications but further studies are required.