Systemic vascular resistance and endogenous inhibitors of nitric oxide synthesis in early- compared to late-onset preeclampsia: preliminary findings

ABSTRACT

Objective: To examine systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), asymmetric (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) levels in preeclampsia at different gestations.

Methods: Twenty-four preeclamptic patients (14 at ≥ 34 weeks’) and 72 matched healthy controls were included. SVRI was calculated from impedance cardiography measurements. ADMA and SDMA levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: SVRI and SDMA were higher in preeclampsia overall, in early onset and late onset compared to controls. SVRI was correlated with ADMA and SDMA, respectively.

Conclusions: Early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia are both characterized by increased systemic vascular resistance and elevated levels of nitric oxide synthesis inhibitors.

KEYWORDS:

• ADMA
• case-control methodology
• nitric oxide synthesis
• preeclampsia
• SDMA

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank the staff of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical University of Graz, Austria with the recruitment of the pregnant women. Furthermore, we thank the women who participated in the study. This study was supported by the OeNB Anniversary Fund (Projectnr.16426).