Differences in Hemodynamic, Hormonal and Heart Rate Variability Parameters in Complication-Free Pregnancies Compared to Individuals with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Preeclampsia: An Observational Retrospective Analysis
Max L. Eckstein,
Othmar Moser,
Andreas Rössler,
Manfred G. Moertl,
Andreas Jantscher,
Ilona Papousek,
Johann Wagner,
Karin Schmid-Zalaudek,
Harald Sourij,
Gerlies Treiber,
Helmut K. Lackner
Affiliations
Max L. Eckstein
Department of Sport Science, Division of Exercise Physiology and Metabolism, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
Othmar Moser
Department of Sport Science, Division of Exercise Physiology and Metabolism, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
Andreas Rössler
Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
Manfred G. Moertl
Clinical Center Klagenfurt, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria
Andreas Jantscher
Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
Ilona Papousek
Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology Unit, University of Graz, 9020 Graz, Austria
Johann Wagner
Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
Karin Schmid-Zalaudek
Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
Harald Sourij
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Interdisciplinary Metabolic Medicine Trials Unit, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, 8036 Graz, Austria
Gerlies Treiber
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Interdisciplinary Metabolic Medicine Trials Unit, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, 8036 Graz, Austria
Helmut K. Lackner
Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
To investigate differences in hemodynamic, hormonal and heart rate variability parameters in women following complication-free pregnancies (healthy), preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) after giving childbirth. Data of 60 women (healthy: n = 29, age 32.7 ± 4.5 years, BMI 24.2 ± 4.3 kg/m2; preeclampsia: n = 16, age 35.3 ± 4.4 years, 28.5 ± 6.4 kg/m2; GDM, n = 15, age 32.3 ± 6.0 years, BMI 26.4 ± 6.2 kg/m2) were included. Two visits were conducted 16 and 48 weeks after giving childbirth. Hair samples were taken for analysis of cortisol and testosterone. ECG and blood pressure were recorded at each visit. Data were analyzed via RM-ANOVA and post-hoc testing (p ≤ 0.05). Heart rate increased from visit 1 to visit 2, whereas SDNN decreased (both p = 0.03). RMSSD showed an increased trend for groups (p = 0.06). Testosterone in the GDM group was significantly higher compared to the other groups (p = 0.002). Cortisol levels were significantly higher following post-hoc testing GDM was different compared to healthy individuals (p = 0.02). Hemodynamic changes from week 16 to week 48 did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). No differences between individuals with preeclampsia and healthy individuals were found for all hemodynamic parameters (p > 0.05). The study showed higher levels of chronic stress indicators in GDM measured via heart rate variability and cortisol compared to women with a history of preeclampsia and healthy women.
