Augmentation index and pulse wave velocity in normotensive versus preeclamptic pregnancies: a prospective case–control study using a new oscillometric method

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.

Keywords

• cardiovascular diseases
• pre-eclampsia
• pregnancy complications
• pulse wave analysis
• vascular stiffness