title: Peripheral capillaroscopic findings and blood rheology during normal pregnancy.
abstract: Peripheral capillary microscopy and blood rheology where used to investigate circulatory changes during normal pregnancy. The first part of the investigation was designed as a cross-sectional study in which capillary morphology and blood flow in the first (n = 24) and third trimester (n = 15) of pregnancy was compared with non-pregnant controls (n = 15). In the second part a longitudinal comparison of capillaroscopic and hemorheological findings throughout pregnancy was performed in 12 women with four measurements at 10-week intervals. In addition, in this group hemorheological measurements were carried out. Both the cross-sectional as well as the longitudinal group showed a significant increase in capillary blood flow velocity which was already present in the first trimester. Throughout pregnancy a gradual enlargement of the pericapillar papilla was seen, reflecting water retention in the interstitial tissue. At low shear rates a significant increase in viscosity was found at the end of pregnancy both in whole blood and at a standardized hematocrit of 45%. Capillaroscopy appears to be an appropriate method to study circulatory changes throughout pregnancy and its value as a diagnostic tool to detect early pathological developments is the objective of a future investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Berne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Linder
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Reinhart
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hänggi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Katz
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schneider
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001809:Blood Viscosity; D002196:Capillaries / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D018056:Hemorheology; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009262:Nails / Q000098:blood supply*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow