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13 pages, 671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Screening for Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction in the First Trimester in Women without Chronic Hypertension

by Piotr Tousty, Magda Fraszczyk-Tousty, Anna Golara, Adrianna Zahorowska, Michał Sławiński, Sylwia Dzidek, Hanna Jasiak-Jóźwik, Magda Nawceniak-Balczerska, Agnieszka Kordek, Ewa Kwiatkowska, Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska, Andrzej Torbé and Sebastian Kwiatkowski

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(17), 5582; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12175582 - 27 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2237

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, it is possible to identify a group at increased risk of preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) using the principles of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF). It has been established for several years that acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) reduces the incidence [...] Read more.

Background: Nowadays, it is possible to identify a group at increased risk of preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) using the principles of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF). It has been established for several years that acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) reduces the incidence of PE and FGR in high-risk populations. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of ASA use after the first-trimester screening in a Polish population without chronic hypertension, as well as its impact on perinatal complications. Material and methods: A total of 874 patients were enrolled in the study during the first-trimester ultrasound examination. The risk of PE and FGR was assessed according to the FMF guidelines, which include the maternal history, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtPI), pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and placental growth factor (PLGF). Among patients with a risk higher than >1:100, ASA was administered at a dose of 150 mg. Perinatal outcomes were assessed among the different groups. Results: When comparing women in the high-risk group with those in the low-risk group, a statistically significantly higher risk of pregnancy complications was observed in the high-risk group. These complications included pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) (OR 3.6 (1.9–7)), any PE (OR 7.8 (3–20)), late-onset PE (OR 8.5 (3.3–22.4)), FGR or small for gestational age (SGA) (OR 4.8 (2.5–9.2)), and gestational diabetes mellitus type 1 (GDM1) (OR 2.4 (1.4–4.2)). The pregnancies in the high-risk group were more likely to end with a cesarean section (OR 1.9 (1.2–3.1)), while the newborns had significantly lower weights (<10 pc (OR 2.9 (1.2–6.9)), <3 pc (OR 10.2 (2.5–41.7))). Conclusions: The first-trimester screening test for PE and FGR is a necessary and effective tool in identifying high-risk pregnancies. ASA prophylaxis among high-risk patients may have the most beneficial effect. Furthermore, this screening tool may significantly reduce the incidence of early-onset PE (eo-PE). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction)

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8 pages, 645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sonographic Flow-Mediated Dilation Imaging versus Electronic EndoCheck Flow-Mediated Slowing by VICORDER in Pregnant Women—A Comparison of Two Methods to Evaluate Vascular Function in Pregnancy

by Charlotte Lößner, Anna Multhaup, Thomas Lehmann, Ekkehard Schleußner and Tanja Groten

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(5), 1719; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12051719 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2172

Abstract

The evaluation of endothelial function is gaining interest and importance during pregnancy, since the impaired adaptation in early pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk in preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. To standardize the risk assessment and to implement the evaluation of [...] Read more.

The evaluation of endothelial function is gaining interest and importance during pregnancy, since the impaired adaptation in early pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk in preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. To standardize the risk assessment and to implement the evaluation of vascular function in routine pregnancy care, a suitable, accurate and easy to use method is needed. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery assessed by ultrasound is considered to be the gold standard for measuring the vascular endothelial function. The challenges of the FMD measurement have so far prevented its introduction into clinical routine. The VICORDER^® device allows an automated determination of the flow-mediated slowing (FMS). The equivalence of FMD and FMS has not yet been proven in pregnant women. We collected data of 20 pregnant women randomly and consecutively while they presented for a vascular function assessment in our hospital. The gestational age at investigation was between 22 and 32 weeks of gestation, three had preexisting hypertensive pregnancy disease and three were twin pregnancies. The results for FMD or FMS below 11.3% were considered to be abnormal. Comparing FMD to FMS results in our cohort revealed a convergence in 9/9 cases, indicating normal endothelial function (specificity of 100%) and a sensitivity of 72.7%. In conclusion, we verify that the FMS measurement is a convenient, automated and operator-independent test method of endothelial function in pregnant women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction)

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10 pages, 2112 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combination of Maternal Serum ESM-1 and PLGF with Uterine Artery Doppler PI for Predicting Preeclampsia

by Xianjing Xie, Dan Chen, Xingyu Yang, Yunyun Cao, Yuna Guo and Weiwei Cheng

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(2), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12020459 - 6 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1804

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether the combination of pregnancy-associated endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM-1), the placental growth factor (PLGF) in the first- and second-trimester maternal serum, and the uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index (PI) in the second trimester can predict preeclampsia [...] Read more.

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether the combination of pregnancy-associated endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM-1), the placental growth factor (PLGF) in the first- and second-trimester maternal serum, and the uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index (PI) in the second trimester can predict preeclampsia (PE). Methods: The serum levels of ESM-1 and PLGF in 33 severe preeclampsia (SPE) patients, 18 mild preeclampsia patients (MPE), and 60 age-matched normal controls (CON) were measured. The Doppler ultrasonography was performed, and the artery pulsatility index (PI) was calculated for the same subjects. Results: The 2nd PLGF level was significantly lower and the 2nd PI was higher than those in the MPE group. Combining the 2nd PLGF with the 2nd PI yielded an AUC of 0.819 (83.33% sensitivity and 70.00% specificity). In the SPE group, the 1st ESM-1 level and the 2nd PLGF level were significantly lower, and the 2nd ESM-1 level and the 2nd PI were significantly higher in the SPE group. The combination of the 1st ESM-1, the 2nd PLGF, and the 2nd PI yielded an AUC of 0.912 (72.73% sensitivity and 95.00% specificity). Conclusions: The 1st ESM-1 and the 2nd PLGF levels and the 2nd PI were associated with PE. The combination of serum biomarkers and the PI improved the screening efficiency of the PE prediction, especially for SPE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction)

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13 pages, 842 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predictive Model for Preeclampsia Combining sFlt-1, PlGF, NT-proBNP, and Uric Acid as Biomarkers

by Carmen Garrido-Giménez, Mónica Cruz-Lemini, Francisco V. Álvarez, Madalina Nicoleta Nan, Francisco Carretero, Antonio Fernández-Oliva, Josefina Mora, Olga Sánchez-García, Álvaro García-Osuna, Jaume Alijotas-Reig, Elisa Llurba and on behalf of the EuroPE Working Group

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(2), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12020431 - 5 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4459

Abstract

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and uric acid are elevated in pregnancies with preeclampsia (PE). Short-term prediction of PE using angiogenic factors has many false-positive results. Our objective was to validate a machine-learning model (MLM) to predict PE in patients with clinical suspicion, [...] Read more.

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and uric acid are elevated in pregnancies with preeclampsia (PE). Short-term prediction of PE using angiogenic factors has many false-positive results. Our objective was to validate a machine-learning model (MLM) to predict PE in patients with clinical suspicion, and evaluate if the model performed better than the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio alone. A multicentric cohort study of pregnancies with suspected PE between 24⁺⁰ and 36⁺⁶ weeks was used. The MLM included six predictors: gestational age, chronic hypertension, sFlt-1, PlGF, NT-proBNP, and uric acid. A total of 936 serum samples from 597 women were included. The PPV of the MLM for PE following 6 weeks was 83.1% (95% CI 78.5–88.2) compared to 72.8% (95% CI 67.4–78.4) for the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. The specificity of the model was better; 94.9% vs. 91%, respectively. The AUC was significantly improved compared to the ratio alone [0.941 (95% CI 0.926–0.956) vs. 0.901 (95% CI 0.880–0.921), p < 0.05]. For prediction of preterm PE within 1 week, the AUC of the MLM was 0.954 (95% CI 0.937–0.968); significantly greater than the ratio alone [0.914 (95% CI 0.890–0.934), p < 0.01]. To conclude, an MLM combining the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, NT-proBNP, and uric acid performs better to predict preterm PE compared to the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio alone, potentially increasing clinical precision. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction)

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10 pages, 549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Corin—The Early Marker of Preeclampsia in Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus

by Daniel Boroń, Jakub Kornacki, Paweł Gutaj, Urszula Mantaj, Przemysław Wirstlein and Ewa Wender-Ozegowska

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12010061 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2302

Abstract

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in pregnant women. Pregestational diabetes (PGDM) patients are prone to vascular complications and preeclampsia, whereas vascular exposure to hyperglycemia induces inflammation, vascular remodeling, and arterial stiffness. Corin is a serine protease, [...] Read more.

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in pregnant women. Pregestational diabetes (PGDM) patients are prone to vascular complications and preeclampsia, whereas vascular exposure to hyperglycemia induces inflammation, vascular remodeling, and arterial stiffness. Corin is a serine protease, converting inactive pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (pro-ANP) into an active form. It also promotes salt and water excretion by activating atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and significantly increases trophoblast invasion. The study aimed to determine whether corin may be a predictor of PE in a high-risk group—women with long-term PGDM. The nested case-control prospective study involved 63 patients with long-term pregestational type 1 diabetes (PGDM). In total, 17 patients developed preeclampsia (the study group), whereas 43 patients without PE constituted the control group. To assess corin concentration, blood samples were collected at two time points: between 18th–22nd week of gestation and 28th–32nd week of gestation. PE patients presented significantly higher mid-gestation corin levels, urine protein loss in each trimester, serum creatinine in the third trimester, and lower creatinine clearance in the third trimester. The results of our study indicate that serum corin assessment may play a role in predicting preeclampsia. Thus, it may be included in the PE risk calculator, initially in high-risk groups, such as patients with PGDM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction)

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12 pages, 617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Coexisting Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on the Course of Preeclampsia

by Katarzyna Pankiewicz, Ewa Szczerba, Anna Fijałkowska, Janusz Sierdziński, Tadeusz Issat and Tomasz Mikołaj Maciejewski

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(21), 6390; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11216390 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2853

Abstract

A strict correlation between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE) has been shown in previous studies. This case-control observational study evaluates the influence of concomitant GDM on the severity of PE. Ninety-nine patients were included: thirty-eight with PE without GDM (group 1), [...] Read more.

A strict correlation between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE) has been shown in previous studies. This case-control observational study evaluates the influence of concomitant GDM on the severity of PE. Ninety-nine patients were included: thirty-eight with PE without GDM (group 1), fourteen with PE and concomitant GDM (group 2), and forty-seven with uncomplicated pregnancies (group 3). Adverse maternal/fetal and neonatal outcomes were registered. Patients underwent blood sample analysis of serum PlGF, sFlt-1, creatinine levels, and platelet count (PLT). The incidence of preterm birth, FGR, HELLP syndrome, and NICU admission was significantly higher in group 1 in comparison to groups 2 and 3, whereas RDS was diagnosed most often in group 2 in comparison to groups 1 and 3. All studied biochemical parameters differed between the control group and both PE groups; however, there were no differences between patients with PE with and without GDM. The presented study indicates that the coexistence of GDM may mitigate the course of PE. The lack of differences between patients with PE with and without GDM in serum levels of studied biomarkers may also confirm its usefulness in the diagnosis and management of PE in patients with coexisting GDM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction)

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15 pages, 3384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proton Pump Inhibitors Use and Risk of Preeclampsia: A Meta-Analysis

by Salman Hussain, Ambrish Singh, Benny Antony, Jitka Klugarová, M. Hassan Murad, Aarthi S. Jayraj, Alena Langaufová and Miloslav Klugar

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(16), 4675; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11164675 - 10 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2790

Abstract

Evidence from preclinical studies suggests a preventive effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in preeclampsia. Recently, several epidemiological studies have described a conflicting association between the use of PPIs during pregnancy and preeclampsia risk. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PPI [...] Read more.

Evidence from preclinical studies suggests a preventive effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in preeclampsia. Recently, several epidemiological studies have described a conflicting association between the use of PPIs during pregnancy and preeclampsia risk. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PPI use and the risk of preeclampsia. We searched databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, Emcare, CINAHL, and the relevant grey literature from inception until 13 September 2021. Studies reporting the preeclampsia risk with the use of PPIs were eligible for inclusion. Literature screening, data extraction, and the risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two investigators. Random-effect meta-analysis was performed to generate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The risk of preeclampsia and preterm preeclampsia among women receiving PPIs during pregnancy were the primary outcomes of interest. This meta-analysis comprised three studies involving 4,877,565 pregnant women, of whom 119,017 were PPI users. The included studies were judged to have a low risk of bias. The risk of preeclampsia among pregnant women who received PPIs anytime during pregnancy was significantly increased (RR 1.27 (95% CI: 1.23–1.31)), although the increase was trivial in absolute terms (2 per 1000). The subgroup analysis revealed that the risk was increased in each of the three trimesters. The risk of preterm preeclampsia among pregnant women receiving PPIs anytime during pregnancy was not significantly increased (RR 1.04 (95% CI: 0.70–1.55)). The certainty evaluated by GRADE in these estimates was low. PPI use may be associated with a trivial increase in the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women. There is no evidence supporting that PPI use decreases the risk of preeclampsia or preterm preeclampsia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction)

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12 pages, 1222 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patterns of Brain Sparing in a Fetal Growth Restriction Cohort

by Jon G. Steller, Diane Gumina, Camille Driver, Emma Peek, Henry L. Galan, Shane Reeves and John C. Hobbins

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(15), 4480; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11154480 - 1 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4509

Abstract

Objective: Our objective was to compare differences in Doppler blood flow in four fetal intracranial blood vessels in fetuses with late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) vs. those with small for gestational age (SGA). Methods: Fetuses with estimated fetal weight (EFW) <10th percentile were [...] Read more.

Objective: Our objective was to compare differences in Doppler blood flow in four fetal intracranial blood vessels in fetuses with late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) vs. those with small for gestational age (SGA). Methods: Fetuses with estimated fetal weight (EFW) <10th percentile were divided into SGA (n = 30) and FGR (n = 51) via Delphi criteria and had Doppler waveforms obtained from the middle cerebral artery (MCA), anterior cerebral artery (ACA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA), and vertebral artery (VA). A pulsatility index (PI) <5th centile was considered “abnormal”. Outcomes included birth metrics and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Results: There were more abnormal cerebral vessel PIs in the FGR group versus the SGA group (36 vs. 4; p = 0.055). In FGR, ACA + MCA vessel abnormalities outnumbered PCA + VA abnormalities. All 8 fetuses with abnormal VA PIs had at least one other abnormal vessel. Fetuses with abnormal VA PIs had lower BW (1712 vs. 2500 g; p < 0.0001), delivered earlier (35.22 vs. 37.89 wks; p = 0.0052), and had more admissions to the NICU (71.43% vs. 24.44%; p = 0.023). Conclusions: There were more anterior vessels showing vasodilation than posterior vessels, but when the VA was abnormal, the fetuses were more severely affected clinically than those showing normal VA PIs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction)

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10 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Value of Cerebroplacental Ratio and Uterine Artery Doppler as Predictors of Adverse Perinatal Outcome in Very Small for Gestational Age at Term Fetuses

by Anne Karge, Silvia M. Lobmaier, Bernhard Haller, Bettina Kuschel and Javier U. Ortiz

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(13), 3852; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11133852 - 3 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1899

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), mean uterine artery (mUtA) Doppler and adverse perinatal outcome (APO) and their predictive performance in fetuses with birth weight (BW) <3rd centile (very small for gestational age, VSGA) in [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), mean uterine artery (mUtA) Doppler and adverse perinatal outcome (APO) and their predictive performance in fetuses with birth weight (BW) <3rd centile (very small for gestational age, VSGA) in comparison with fetuses with BW 3rd–10th centile (small for gestational age, SGA). This was a retrospective cohort study including singleton pregnancies delivered at term (37 + 0–41 + 6) in a single tertiary referral center over a six-year period. APO was defined as a composite of cesarean section for intrapartum fetal compromise (IFC), umbilical artery pH < 7.20, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit for >24 h. The characteristics of the study population according to BW (VSGA and SGA) as well as the presence of composite APO were assessed. The prognostic performance of CPR and mUtA-PI was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. In total, 203 pregnancies were included. Of these, 55 (27%) had CPR <10th centile, 25 (12%) mUtA-PI >95th centile, 65 (32%) VSGA fetuses, and 93 (46%) composite APO. VSGA showed a non-significantly higher rate of composite APO in comparison to SGA (52% vs. 43%; p = 0.202). The composite APO rate was significantly higher in SGA with CPR <10th centile (36% vs. 13%; p = 0.001), while in VSGA with CPR <10th centile was not (38% vs. 35%; p = 0.818). The composite APO rate was non-significantly higher both in VSGA (26% vs. 10%; p = 0.081) and SGA (14% vs. 6%; p = 0.742) with mUtA-PI >95th centile. The ROC analysis showed a significantly predictive value of CPR for composite APO in SGA only (AUC 0.612; p = 0.025). A low CPR was associated with composite APO in SGA fetuses. VSGA fetuses were more frequently affected by composite APO regardless of Doppler values. The predictive performance of CPR and uterine artery Doppler was poor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction)

13 pages, 1533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of sFlt-1/PIGF Ratio for the Prediction of Perinatal Outcome in Obese Pre-Eclamptic Women

by Anne Karge, Linus Desing, Bernhard Haller, Javier U. Ortiz, Silvia M. Lobmaier, Bettina Kuschel and Oliver Graupner

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(11), 3023; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11113023 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2069

Abstract

Obese women are at high risk of developing pre-eclampsia (PE). As an altered angiogenic profile is characteristic for PE, measurement of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PIGF) ratio in the maternal serum can be helpful for PE diagnosis, as well as [...] Read more.

Obese women are at high risk of developing pre-eclampsia (PE). As an altered angiogenic profile is characteristic for PE, measurement of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PIGF) ratio in the maternal serum can be helpful for PE diagnosis, as well as for adverse perinatal outcome (APO) prediction. There is growing evidence that obesity might influence the level of sFlt-1/PIGF and, therefore, the aim of the study was the evaluation of sFlt-1/PIGF as an APO predictor in obese women with PE. Pre-eclamptic women who had an sFlt-1/PIGF measurement at the time of diagnosis were retrospectively included. Women were classified according to their pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) as normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m²), overweight (BMI > 25–29.9 kg/m²) or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²). APO was defined as the occurrence of one of the following outcomes: Small for gestational age, defined as a birthweight < 3rd centile, neonatal mortality, neonatal seizures, admission to neonatal unit required (NICU) or respiratory support. A total of 141 women were included. Of them, 28 (20%) patients were obese. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analysis revealed a high predictive value for sFlt-1/PIGF and APO across the whole study cohort (AUC = 0.880, 95% CI: 0.826–0.936; p < 0.001). However, the subgroup of obese women showed a significantly lower level of sFlt-1 and, therefore, the performance of sFlt-1/PIGF as APO predictor was poorer compared to normal or overweight PE women (AUC = 0.754, 95% CI: 0.552–0.956, p = 0.025). In contrast to normal or overweight women, a ratio of sFlt-1/PIGF < 38 could not rule out APO in women with obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction)

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Review

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16 pages, 360 KiB

Open AccessReview

Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction as Risk Factors of Future Maternal Cardiovascular Disease—A Review

by Sylwia Sławek-Szmyt, Katarzyna Kawka-Paciorkowska, Aleksandra Ciepłucha, Maciej Lesiak and Mariola Ropacka-Lesiak

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(20), 6048; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11206048 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3230

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death in women worldwide. Although traditional risk factors increase later-life CVD, pregnancy-associated complications additionally influence future CVD risk in women. Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR), are interrelated disorders caused by [...] Read more.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death in women worldwide. Although traditional risk factors increase later-life CVD, pregnancy-associated complications additionally influence future CVD risk in women. Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR), are interrelated disorders caused by placental dysfunction, maternal cardiovascular maladaptation to pregnancy, and maternal abnormalities such as endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, hypercoagulability, and vasospasm. The pathophysiologic pathways of some pregnancy complications and CVDs might be linked. This review aimed to highlight the associations between specific adverse pregnancy outcomes and future CVD and emphasize the importance of considering pregnancy history in assessing a woman’s CVD risk. Moreover, we wanted to underline the role of maternal cardiovascular maladaptation in the development of specific pregnancy complications such as FGR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction)

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