A longitudinal study using ultrasound to assess flow-mediated dilatation in normal human pregnancy.
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).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Quinton
Ann E
AE
Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, NSW, Australia. aquinton@med.usyd.edu.au
Cook
Colleen-M
CM
Peek
Michael J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D004106:Dilatation / Q000379:methods; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006940:Hyperemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000502:physiology*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D014463:Ultrasonography