Non‐invasive assessment of endothelial function in normal pregnancy

Abstract

Objective To assess endothelial function in normal pregnancy by non‐invasive methods. Methods Flow‐mediated dilatation of the brachial artery was measured by ultrasonography in 157 women with normal singleton pregnancies between 10 and 40 weeks' gestation and 19 non‐pregnant controls. Results Flow‐mediated dilatation in the non‐pregnant controls was 6.42 ± 2.45%. In pregnant women, between 10 and 30 weeks, the mean flow‐mediated dilatation (8.84 ± 3.18%) was significantly higher than the non‐pregnant controls (P = 0.002), but after 30 weeks of gestation there was a decrease to prepregnancy levels. Resting vessel diameter and blood flow were significantly increased in pregnancy, mainly after 30 weeks' gestation (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Flow‐mediated dilatation was significantly correlated to resting vessel diameter and reactive hyperemia. Conclusion Normal pregnancy is associated with enhanced endothelial function which is apparent from at least 10 weeks' gestation. Copyright © 2000 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology