Study of autonomic functions in normal pregnancy and preeclamptic pregnancy

Abstract

Background: After due analysis World Health Organisation (WHO) has determined that hypertensive disorders in pregnancies are the major cause of mortality. In spite of its prevalence and severity, no comprehensive theory or single factor has been suggested to explain the pathophysiology of this multi system disorder of pregnancy, with the only therapies being bad rest, pharmacological symptomatic management and if necessary early delivery. Objective: To Study autonomic functions in normal pregnancy and preeclamptic pregnancy Methods: The present study was carried out in the department of Physiology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology outpatient department (OPD) & ward. The study design is cross-sectional study conducted on two groups of subjects. Thus the total no of 100 subjects were included in the study. A detailed recording of medical, obstetric, personal and family history and clinical examination of the subjects was carried out and the subjects who met the criteria were accordingly selected for the study. The consent of subjects was taken before doing clinical examinations. Results: The systolic blood pressure of Group - I and Group - II was noted as 131.9 and 154.8 respectively and is found to be extremely significant. The diastolic Blood Pressure of Group – I, was recorded as 70.72 and Group - II was recorded as 100.4 and the P value was found as extremely significant. Conclusion: The normal pregnant (group - I), has significantly lower diastolic pressure and mean arterial pressure, significantly higher resting heart rate. Rise in SBP & DBP, to cold stimuli and handgrip is significantly increased in preeclamptic pregnant (group - II).

Keywords

• autonomic functions
• pregnancy
• preeclampsia