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Karimpour P, May JM, Kyriacou PA. Photoplethysmography for the Assessment of Arterial Stiffness. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:9882. [PMID: 38139728 PMCID: PMC10747425 DOI: 10.3390/s23249882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
This review outlines the latest methods and innovations for assessing arterial stiffness, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, we present compelling evidence indicating a recent growth in research focused on assessing arterial stiffness using photoplethysmography (PPG) and propose PPG as a potential tool for assessing vascular ageing in the future. Blood vessels deteriorate with age, losing elasticity and forming deposits. This raises the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), widely reported as the global leading cause of death. The ageing process induces structural modifications in the vascular system, such as increased arterial stiffness, which can cause various volumetric, mechanical, and haemodynamic alterations. Numerous techniques have been investigated to assess arterial stiffness, some of which are currently used in commercial medical devices and some, such as PPG, of which still remain in the research space.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Panicos A. Kyriacou
- Research Centre for Biomedical Engineering, City, University of London, London EC1V 0HB, UK; (P.K.); (J.M.M.)
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Poolsin T, Sirichotiyakul S, Luewan S, Leemasawat K, Tongsong T. Reference-range of arterial stiffness by cardio-ankle vascular index in normal pregnancy. Pregnancy Hypertens 2023; 34:138-145. [PMID: 37977049 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2023.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the arterial stiffness, represented by the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) at various gestational ages among low-risk pregnant women. The second objective is to construct the reference range of mean arterial pressure and maternal heart rate during pregnancy. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on low risk pregnant Thai women, meeting the following inclusion criteria: 1) singleton pregnant women aged 18 years old or over; 2) gestational age between 11 and 40 weeks; 3) low-risk pregnancy without any underlying medical diseases; and 4) known final pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes and fetal growth restriction were excluded. The mean CAVI, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate were measured at each gestational age. RESULTS A total of 329 measurements for each parameter were available for analysis. CAVI was significantly correlated with gestational age with the best fitted model: CAVI = 6.952 - 0.076(GA) + 0.001(GA)2; SD = 0.742 (R2 = 0.049; p-value < 0.001). The maternal age and pre-pregnancy BMI were correlated with CAVI. CAVI gradually increased with maternal age and decreased with increasing body mass index (BMI). The MAP and heart rate of normal pregnancy in each gestation were conducted. CONCLUSION The reference range of CAVI in normal pregnancies as a function of gestational age and the model for predicting CAVI based on multiple regression analysis are constructed and presented. These reference ranges may be useful in predicting risk of cardiovascular disorders during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanawit Poolsin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
| | - Supatra Sirichotiyakul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
| | - Suchaya Luewan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
| | - Krit Leemasawat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
| | - Theera Tongsong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
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Vargas AI, Tarraf SA, Fitzgibbons TP, Bellini C, Amini R. Biomechanical remodeling of the murine descending thoracic aorta during late-gestation pregnancy. Curr Res Physiol 2023; 6:100102. [PMID: 37575979 PMCID: PMC10415834 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2023.100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
With the rise in maternal mortality rates and the growing body of epidemiological evidence linking pregnancy history to maternal cardiovascular health, it is essential to comprehend the vascular remodeling that occurs during gestation. The maternal body undergoes significant hemodynamic alterations which are believed to induce structural remodeling of the cardiovascular system. Yet, the effects of pregnancy on vascular structure and function have not been fully elucidated. Such a knowledge gap has limited our understanding of the etiology of pregnancy-induced cardiovascular disease. Towards bridging this gap, we measured the biaxial mechanical response of the murine descending thoracic aorta during a normotensive late-gestation pregnancy. Non-invasive hemodynamic measurements confirmed a 50% increase in cardiac output in the pregnant group, with no changes in peripheral blood pressure. Pregnancy was associated with significant wall thickening ( ∼14%), an increase in luminal diameter ( ∼6%), and material softening in both circumferential and axial directions. This expansive remodeling of the tissue resulted in a reduction in tensile wall stress and intrinsic tissue stiffness. Collectively, our data indicate that an increase in the geometry of the vessel may occur to accommodate for the increase in cardiac output and blood flow that occurs in pregnancy. Similarly, wall thickening accompanied by increased luminal diameter, without a change in blood pressure may be a necessary mechanism to decrease the tensile wall stress, and avoid pathophysiological events following late gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I. Vargas
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Samar A. Tarraf
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Timothy P. Fitzgibbons
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, United States
| | - Chiara Bellini
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Rouzbeh Amini
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
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Kuate Defo A, Daskalopoulou SS. Alterations in Vessel Hemodynamics Across Uncomplicated Pregnancy. Am J Hypertens 2023; 36:183-191. [PMID: 36638267 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpac132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is marked by the onset of rapid hemodynamic alterations in order to accommodate the needs of the developing fetus. Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality, and its measurement in clinical practice has been recommended. It follows a U-shaped curve in uncomplicated pregnancy, decreasing to a nadir in mid-pregnancy and rising at term. Systemic vasodilation occurs due to elevated nitric oxide, prostacyclin, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin. Vascular resistance decreases to a nadir in mid-pregnancy, while endothelial function is enhanced starting in the first trimester. Plasma volume increases by about 50%, and total red blood cell mass increases by up to 40%. Cardiac output increases by up to 45%, at first due primarily to elevated stroke volume, then mainly due to increased heart rate. Along with echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is safe for use in pregnancy. It may assess cardiac function more accurately than echocardiography, and may be indicated in specific clinical cases. Moreover, blood pressure decreases to a nadir in mid-pregnancy and rises to near preconception values postpartum. An appreciation of the vascular changes occurring in healthy pregnancy can aid in the prediction and diagnosis of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and inform treatment. In particular, noninvasive arterial stiffness/hemodynamics assessment provides unique clinical information beyond blood pressure and traditional maternal characteristics, and can signal a need for further testing, or be used in combination with other tests to predict or diagnose complications of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Kuate Defo
- Vascular Health Unit, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stella S Daskalopoulou
- Vascular Health Unit, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Enkhmaa D, Ganmaa D, Tanz LJ, Rich-Edwards JW, Stuart JJ, Enkhtur S, Gantsetseg G, Batkhishig B, Fitzmaurice G, Bayalag M, Nasantogtokh E, Bairey Merz CN, Shufelt CL. Changes in Vascular Function from Preconception to Postpartum Among Mongolian Women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2022; 31:1655-1663. [PMID: 35904927 PMCID: PMC9700357 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pregnancy is associated with physiological changes to meet the metabolic demands of the growing fetus. To understand adverse pregnancy outcomes it is important to establish vascular changes throughout pregnancy. We examined longitudinal changes in vascular measurements from prepregnancy through postpartum. Materials and Methods: Seventy women planning to conceive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia enrolled in this prospective study. Within 6 months, 44 (63%) had conceived; of which 36 (82%) delivered. Ten (28%) developed complex pregnancies and were analyzed separately. Vascular measures included central systolic blood pressure (cSBP), central diastolic blood pressure (cDBP), augmentation index corrected for heart rate of 75 beats/minute (AIx-75), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Measurements were performed at prepregnancy, second trimester (22-24 weeks), third trimester (34-36 weeks), and 2 months postpartum. Missing values (n = 0-6 per time period) were replaced by multiple imputation. A repeated measures analysis of variance analyzed changes within individual women over the four time points adjusted for age, parity, and body mass index. Results: We observed significant reductions from prepregnancy to second trimester for mean Alx-75 (17.1%-12.6%; p = 0.006) and cSBP (91.7-86.8 mmHg; p = 0.03) but not for cDBP or PWV. Both mean AIx-75 and cSBP increased in third trimester. In the postpartum, cSBP returned to prepregnancy levels, whereas AIx-75 exceeded prepregnancy levels, although this fell short of significance (p = 0.09). Similar vascular patterns were observed in women with complex pregnancies for AIx-75; however, PWV increased from the second trimester and remained higher through postpartum, although not significant. Conclusion: In Mongolian women, we observed a decrease in AIx-75 and cSBP from prepregnancy through second trimester, which resolved postpartum. These results provide an understanding of changes across pregnancies in an Asian country. Future studies should assess vascular changes across pregnancies to determine if it can predict conditions such as pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davaasambuu Enkhmaa
- National Center for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Maternal Health Research, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Davaasambuu Ganmaa
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren J. Tanz
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Women's Health, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janet W. Rich-Edwards
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Women's Health, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer J. Stuart
- Division of Women's Health, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shonkhuuz Enkhtur
- National Center for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Maternal Health Research, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Garmaa Gantsetseg
- National Center for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Maternal Health Research, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Bandi Batkhishig
- National Center for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Maternal Health Research, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Garrett Fitzmaurice
- McLean Hospital, Laboratory for Psychiatric Biostatistics, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Munkhuu Bayalag
- National Center for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Maternal Health Research, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Erdenebileg Nasantogtokh
- National Center for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Maternal Health Research, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - C. Noel Bairey Merz
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Chrisandra L. Shufelt
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Anness AR, Clark A, Melhuish K, Leone FMT, Osman MW, Webb D, Robinson T, Walkinshaw N, Khalil A, Mousa HA. Maternal hemodynamics and neonatal birth weight in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes: new insights from novel causal inference analysis modeling. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2022; 60:215-222. [PMID: 35061298 PMCID: PMC9541284 DOI: 10.1002/uog.24864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Normal pregnancy is characterized by significant changes in maternal hemodynamics that are associated with fetal growth. Pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are associated with large-for-gestational age and macrosomia, but the relationship between maternal hemodynamic parameters and birth weight (BW) among women with GDM has not been established. Our objective was to investigate the influence of maternal hemodynamics on neonatal BW in healthy pregnancies and in those complicated by GDM. METHODS This was a prospective, cross-sectional case-control study of women aged ≥ 16 years with a singleton viable pregnancy, recruited between January 2016 and February 2021 at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK. GDM was defined as a fasting glucose level ≥ 5.3 mmol/L and/or serum glucose level ≥ 7.8 mmol/L, 2 h following a 75-g oral glucose load. We collected data on maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcome, including body mass index (BMI) at booking and BW centile adjusted for gestational age at delivery. Maternal hemodynamic parameters were assessed at 34-42 weeks' gestation using the Arteriograph® and bioreactance techniques. Graphical causal inference methodology was used to identify causal effects of the measured variables on neonatal BW centile. RESULTS Included in the analysis were 141 women with GDM and 136 normotensive non-diabetic pregnant controls. 62% of the women with GDM were managed pharmacologically, with metformin and/or insulin. Variables included in the final model were cardiac output (CO), mean arterial pressure (MAP), total peripheral resistance (TPR), aortic augmentation index (AIx), aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and BMI at booking. Among the controls, maternal BMI, CO and aortic PWV were significantly associated with neonatal BW. Each SD increase in booking BMI produced an increase of 8.4 BW centiles (P = 0.002), in CO produced an increase of 9.4 BW centiles (P = 0.008) and in aortic PWV produced an increase of 7.1 BW centiles (P = 0.017). We found no significant relationship between MAP, TPR or aortic AIx and neonatal BW. Maternal hemodynamics influenced neonatal BW among the women with GDM in a similar manner to that in the control group, but only the relationship between maternal BMI and neonatal BW reached statistical significance, with a 1-SD increase in BMI producing an increase of 6.1 BW centiles (P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS Maternal BMI, CO and PWV were determinants of BW in our control group. The relationship between maternal hemodynamics and neonatal BW was similar between women with GDM and healthy controls. Our findings therefore suggest that fetal growth restriction in pregnancies complicated by GDM may indicate maternal cardiovascular dysfunction. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. R. Anness
- Maternal and Fetal Medicine UnitUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS TrustLeicesterUK
| | - A. Clark
- Department of Computer ScienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - K. Melhuish
- Maternal and Fetal Medicine UnitUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS TrustLeicesterUK
| | - F. M. T. Leone
- Maternal and Fetal Medicine UnitUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS TrustLeicesterUK
| | - M. W. Osman
- Maternal and Fetal Medicine UnitUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS TrustLeicesterUK
| | - D. Webb
- Diabetes Research CentreCollege of Life Sciences, University of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - T. Robinson
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - N. Walkinshaw
- Department of Computer ScienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - A. Khalil
- Fetal Medicine UnitSt George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of LondonLondonUK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research InstituteSt George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | - H. A. Mousa
- Maternal and Fetal Medicine UnitUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS TrustLeicesterUK
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Arterial stiffness throughout pregnancy: Arteriograph device-specific reference ranges based on a low-risk population. J Hypertens 2022; 40:870-877. [PMID: 35165246 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The maternal cardiovascular system undergoes significant adaptation during pregnancy. We aimed to examine the changes in arterial stiffness parameters during normal pregnancy and establish reference ranges for the general population. METHODS We performed a prospective cross-sectional observational study at the University Hospitals of Leicester. We included low-risk healthy pregnant women with singleton and viable pregnancies with no evidence of foetal abnormality or aneuploidy. Smokers, women with pre-existing or gestational hypertensive disorders and diabetes, booking BMI at least 30, on medication that could affect cardiac function and/or those who delivered before 37 completed weeks of gestation, and/or a neonate with birthweight less than 10th centile were excluded. Brachial (BrAIx) and aortic augmentation indices (AoAIx), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed using the Arteriograph. Data were analysed using a linear mixed model. RESULTS We analysed a total of 571 readings from 259 women across different gestational ages and present the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th centiles for BrAIx, AoAIx and PWV from 12+0 to 42+0 weeks' gestation. All haemodynamic variables were significantly associated with maternal age and heart rate. BrAIx, AoAIx and PWV demonstrated significant change with gestation, with all reaching their lowest value in the second trimester. CONCLUSION The current study presents reference ranges for BrAIx, AoAIx and PWV in low-risk singleton pregnancies. Further work is required to establish if women in whom measures of arterial stiffness lie above the 90th centile could be at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and to identify the optimum time for screening.
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Preeclampsia has two phenotypes which require different treatment strategies. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:S1006-S1018. [PMID: 34774281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.10.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The opinion on the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of preeclampsia still divides scientists and clinicians. This common complication of pregnancy has long been viewed as a disorder linked primarily to placental dysfunction, which is caused by abnormal trophoblast invasion, however, evidence from the previous two decades has triggered and supported a major shift in viewing preeclampsia as a condition that is caused by inherent maternal cardiovascular dysfunction, perhaps entirely independent of the placenta. In fact, abnormalities in the arterial and cardiac functions are evident from the early subclinical stages of preeclampsia and even before conception. Moving away from simply observing the peripheral blood pressure changes, studies on the central hemodynamics reveal two different mechanisms of cardiovascular dysfunction thought to be reflective of the early-onset and late-onset phenotypes of preeclampsia. More recent evidence identified that the underlying cardiovascular dysfunction in these phenotypes can be categorized according to the presence of coexisting fetal growth restriction instead of according to the gestational period at onset, the former being far more common at early gestational ages. The purpose of this review is to summarize the hemodynamic research observations for the two phenotypes of preeclampsia. We delineate the physiological hemodynamic changes that occur in normal pregnancy and those that are observed with the pathologic processes associated with preeclampsia. From this, we propose how the two phenotypes of preeclampsia could be managed to mitigate or redress the hemodynamic dysfunction, and we consider the implications for future research based on the current evidence. Maternal hemodynamic modifications throughout pregnancy can be recorded with simple-to-use, noninvasive devices in obstetrical settings, which require only basic training. This review includes a brief overview of the methodologies and techniques used to study hemodynamics and arterial function, specifically the noninvasive techniques that have been utilized in preeclampsia research.
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Forrest M, Bourgeois S, Pichette É, Caughlin S, Kuate Defo A, Hales L, Labos C, Daskalopoulou SS. Arterial stiffness measurements in pregnancy as a predictive tool for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and preeclampsia: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X 2022; 13:100141. [PMID: 35118371 PMCID: PMC8792469 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2022.100141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, accurate early clinical screening methods for the development of these disorders are lacking. Arterial stiffness (AS) is an important hemodynamic indicator of vascular health that has shown promising results for the prediction of HDP onset. Past systematic reviews in the field have reported an increase in AS indices in women who develop HDPs and have highlighted the potential of AS measurements as a predictive tool early in pregnancy. The most recent systematic review, including papers up to 2015, assessed the differences in AS parameters between women with and without pregnancy complications. Since then, there has been a substantial influx of published research on the topic and a growing interest in the incorporation of AS measurements into clinical practice. Thus, we propose a systematic review and meta-analysis that is more inclusive to all HDP subsets and various hemodynamic indices of vascular health to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of evidence. Specifically, we aim to evaluate these measures in women who develop HDPs compared to normotensive pregnancies to determine which measures are most associated with and/or can predict the development of HDPs. Major databases (Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and CINAHL), grey literature (Google Scholar) and clinical trials (clinicaltrials.gov) will be searched to identify studies that report AS and hemodynamic measurements in pregnant women with and without HDPs. No restrictions will be made on study type or year. Articles will be independently evaluated by three authors to determine eligibility based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methodological quality of included studies will be assessed. Pooled analyses will be conducted using a random-effects model. Publication bias and between-study heterogeneity will also be assessed. Sources of heterogeneity will be explored by sensitivity, subgroup, and/or meta-regression analyses. Results from this study will be shared through scientific conferences and publications in scientific journals. The analysis of potential AS and hemodynamic markers for HDP onset will help inform the development of screening guidelines and clinically relevant cut-off values of AS and hemodynamic markers for HDP risk, guiding future research. There are no applicable ethical considerations to the writing of this protocol.
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Key Words
- AIx, Augmentation Index
- AIx75, AIx adjusted to a heart rate of 75 beats per minute
- AS, Arterial stiffness
- Arterial stiffness
- CBP, Central blood pressure
- CO, Cardiac output
- CVD, Cardiovascular disease
- FMD, Flow-mediated dilation
- HDP, Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy
- Hemodynamics
- Hypertension
- MAP, Mean arterial pressure
- PWA, Pulse wave analysis
- PWV, Pulse wave velocity
- PrE, Preeclampsia
- Preeclampsia
- Pregnancy complications
- Pulse wave velocity
- SEVR, subendocardial viability ratio
- T1R, Time to wave reflection
- cfPWV, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity
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Affiliation(s)
- Mekayla Forrest
- Vascular Health Unit, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Sophia Bourgeois
- Vascular Health Unit, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Émilie Pichette
- Vascular Health Unit, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Sarah Caughlin
- Vascular Health Unit, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Alvin Kuate Defo
- Vascular Health Unit, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Décarie Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Lindsay Hales
- Medical Library, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Christopher Labos
- Queen Elizabeth Health Complex, 2100 Marlowe Suite 236, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3L5, Canada
| | - Stella S. Daskalopoulou
- Medical Library, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
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Matenchuk BA, Fujii KD, Skow RJ, Sobierajski FM, MacKay C, Steinback CD, Davenport MH. The Effects of Physical Activity on Arterial Stiffness during Pregnancy: An Observational Study. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2021; 47:234-242. [PMID: 34735778 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2021-0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and arterial stiffness in pregnancy. Thirty-nine women participated in this study resulting in 68 measurements in non-pregnant (NP; n=21), first (TM1; n=8), second (TM2; n=20), and third trimesters (TM3; n=19). Compliance, distensibility, elasticity, β-stiffness, and carotid to femoral (central) and carotid to finger (peripheral) pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed. MVPA was measured using accelerometry. Multilevel linear regressions adjusted for multiple tests per participant using random effects to generate β coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed. Distensibility, elasticity, β-stiffness, central- and peripheral-PWV did not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant assessments. Carotid artery compliance was higher in TM2 compared to NP. Central PWV (β Coef: -0.14, 95% CI: -0.27, -0.02) decreased from early to mid-pregnancy and increased in late pregnancy. Meeting the MVPA guidelines was significantly associated with central-PWV (Adj. β Coef: -0.34, 95% CI: -0.62, -0.06, p=0.016), peripheral-PWV (Adj. β Coef: -0.54, 95% CI: -0.91, -0.16, p=0.005), and distensibility (Adj. β Coef: -0.001, 95% CI: -0.002, -0.0001, p=0.018), in pregnancy. These results suggest that MVPA may be associated with improved (i.e. reduced) arterial stiffness in pregnancy. Novelty Bullets • Central PWV, distensibility, compliance, elasticity, and ß-stiffness, but not peripheral PWV, exhibited curvilinear relationships with gestational age • Central and peripheral PWV were lower in pregnant women who met the physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rachel J Skow
- University of Alberta, 3158, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada;
| | | | | | - Craig D Steinback
- University of Alberta, 3158, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada;
| | - Margie H Davenport
- University of Alberta, 3158, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, & Recreation, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,University of Alberta, 3158, Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada;
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Brislane Á, Steinback CD, Davenport MH. The Nine Month Stress Test: Pregnancy and Exercise - Similarities and Interactions. Can J Cardiol 2021; 37:2014-2025. [PMID: 34534622 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Of all physiological systems, the cardiovascular system takes on the most profound adaptation in pregnancy to support fetal growth and development. The adaptations that arise are systemic and involve structural and functional changes that can be observed at the cerebral, central, peripheral, and microvascular beds. This includes, although is not limited to increased heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output with negligible change to blood pressure, reductions in vascular resistance and cerebral blood flow velocity, systemic artery enlargement, enhanced endothelial function. All of this takes place to accommodate blood volume expansion and ensure adequate fetal and maternal oxygen delivery. In some instances, the demand placed on the vasculature can manifest as cardiovascular maladaptation and thus, cardiovascular complications can arise. Exercise is recommended in pregnancy because of its powerful ability to reduce the incidence and severity of cardiovascular complications in pregnancy. However, the mechanism by which it acts is poorly understood. The first aim of this review is to describe the systemic adaptations that take place in pregnancy. Secondly, this review aims to describe the influence of exercise on these systemic adaptations. It is anticipated that this review can comprehensively capture the extent of knowledge in this area while identifying areas that warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Áine Brislane
- Program for Pregnancy & Postpartum Health, Neurovascular Health Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Craig D Steinback
- Program for Pregnancy & Postpartum Health, Neurovascular Health Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Margie H Davenport
- Program for Pregnancy & Postpartum Health, Neurovascular Health Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada.
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Gratz I, Baruch M, Takla M, Seaman J, Allen I, McEniry B, Deal E. The application of a neural network to predict hypotension and vasopressor requirements non-invasively in obstetric patients having spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean section (C/S). BMC Anesthesiol 2020; 20:98. [PMID: 32357833 PMCID: PMC7195764 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-020-01015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neural networks are increasingly used to assess physiological processes or pathologies, as well as to predict the increased likelihood of an impending medical crisis, such as hypotension. Method We compared the capabilities of a single hidden layer neural network of 12 nodes to those of a discrete-feature discrimination approach with the goal being to predict the likelihood of a given patient developing significant hypotension under spinal anesthesia when undergoing a Cesarean section (C/S). Physiological input information was derived from a non-invasive blood pressure device (Caretaker [CT]) that utilizes a finger cuff to measure blood pressure and other hemodynamic parameters via pulse contour analysis. Receiver-operator-curve/area-under-curve analyses were used to compare performance. Results The results presented here suggest that a neural network approach (Area Under Curve [AUC] = 0.89 [p < 0.001]), at least at the implementation level of a clinically relevant prediction algorithm, may be superior to a discrete feature quantification approach (AUC = 0.87 [p < 0.001]), providing implicit access to a plurality of features and combinations thereof. In addition, the expansion of the approach to include the submission of other physiological data signals, such as heart rate variability, to the network can be readily envisioned. Conclusion This pilot study has demonstrated that increased coherence in Arterial Stiffness (AS) variability obtained from the pulse wave analysis of a continuous non-invasive blood pressure device appears to be an effective predictor of hypotension after spinal anesthesia in the obstetrics population undergoing C/S. This allowed us to predict specific dosing thresholds of phenylephrine required to maintain systolic blood pressure above 90 mmHg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irwin Gratz
- Cooper University Hospital, 1 Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA.
| | | | - Magdy Takla
- Cooper University Hospital, 1 Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | | | - Isabel Allen
- University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian McEniry
- Cooper University Hospital, 1 Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Edward Deal
- Cooper University Hospital, 1 Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
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Tasar O, Kocabay G, Karagoz A, Kalayci Karabay A, Karabay CY, Kalkan S, Kirma C. Evaluation of Left Atrial Functions by 2-dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography During Healthy Pregnancy. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2019; 38:2981-2988. [PMID: 30927311 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the effects of normal pregnancy on left atrial (LA) mechanics using 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. METHODS A total of 47 healthy women with singleton pregnancies were prospectively enrolled in this study. A total of 4 visits, including each trimester and postpartum at 6 months, were planned. Echocardiographic studies were performed with a Vivid 7 device equipped with a 2.5-MHz transducer (GE Vingmed Ultrasound AS, Horten, Norway). RESULTS Although the LA reservoir phase strain showed a gradual decrease from the first trimester to the third trimester during pregnancy, the measurements in the postpartum period were found to return to initial levels (mean ± SD: first trimester, 40.3% ± 11.7%; second trimester, 37.5% ± 12.9%; third trimester, 33.5% ± 9.0%; postpartum, 42.1% ± 11.1%; P < .001). The LA pump function strain was also parallel to the LA reservoir strain and gradually decreased from the first trimester to the third trimester during pregnancy, and it was observed that rose to the initial level in the postpartum period (first trimester, 16.7% ± 7.4%; second trimester, 14.8% ± 5.5%; third trimester, 12.7% ± 4.3%; postpartum, 15.8% ± 5.5%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS We prospectively determined normal reference values for LA deformation parameters using speckle-tracking echocardiography in each trimester and the postpartum period in healthy pregnancy. These reference values may help identify subclinical LA dysfunction in several cardiovascular or systemic conditions. According to this study, these parameters decreased toward the third trimester during pregnancy and recovered in the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Tasar
- Department of Cardiology, Elazig Research and Training Hospital, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Gonenc Kocabay
- Department of Cardiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Faculty of Health Science, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Karagoz
- Department of Cardiology, Istanbul Kartal Kosuyolu Heart Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Arzu Kalayci Karabay
- Department of Cardiology, Istanbul Kartal Kosuyolu Heart Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Can Yucel Karabay
- Department of Cardiology, Doktor Siyami Ersek Heart Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sedat Kalkan
- Department of Cardiology, Istanbul Kartal Kosuyolu Heart Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cevat Kirma
- Department of Cardiology, Istanbul Kartal Kosuyolu Heart Center, Istanbul, Turkey
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14
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Arterial stiffness in normal pregnancy at 11–13 weeks of gestation and risk of late-onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. J Hypertens 2019; 37:1018-1022. [DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000001971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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15
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Does increase in arterial stiffness and wave reflection precede development of placental-mediated complications in pregnancy? J Hypertens 2019; 36:1029-1031. [PMID: 29578960 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000001669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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16
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Mannaerts D, Faes E, Cornette J, Gyselaers W, Spaanderman M, Goovaerts I, Stoop T, Roelant E, Jacquemyn Y, Van Craenenbroeck EM. Low-flow mediated constriction as a marker of endothelial function in healthy pregnancy and preeclampsia: A pilot study. Pregnancy Hypertens 2019; 17:75-81. [PMID: 31487661 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Overwhelming clinical evidence exists on disturbed vascular and endothelial function in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE). In a non-pregnant (NP) population, L-FMC (low-flow mediated constriction) provides insight in the 'resting' endothelial capacity in contrast to the gold standard of flow mediated dilatation (FMD), reflecting endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability. STUDY DESIGN Longitudinal follow-up of 100 healthy pregnant (HP) women, 33 PE women and 16 NP controls with non-invasive vascular assessments. HP women were evaluated at 12 and 35 weeks of gestation and at 6 months postpartum. PE patients were assessed at diagnosis (mean 30 weeks) and 6 months postpartum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Endothelial function (L-FMC, FMD, peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT)) and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity (PWV) and analysis (PWA)) were measured at the different visits and compared between groups. RESULTS Overall endothelial dysfunction is present in PE (FMD HP 9.09 ± 4.20 vs PE 5.21 ± 4.47, p = 0.0004; L-FMC HP -1.90 ± 2.66 vs PE -0.40 ± 2.09, p = 0.03). L-FMC gradually elevates during the course of a HP (1st trim -0.31 ± 1.75 vs 3rd trim -1.97 ± 3.02, p < 0.0001) and is present in 85% of women in the third trimester. In NP, only 27% of women has L-FMC. In PE, L-FMC is present in 50% of cases. Arterial stiffness is increased in PE (all p < 0.0001). There is no correlation between L-FMC and other markers of vascular function (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION PE is characterized by dysfunction of both resting and recruitable endothelial capacity. This study offers new insights in different aspects of endothelial function in pregnancy, since L-FMC reflects an adaptation in HP that is absent in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Mannaerts
- Research Group ASTARC, Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Antwerp University Hospital, Belgium.
| | - Ellen Faes
- Research Group ASTARC, Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Antwerp University Hospital, Belgium
| | - Jerome Cornette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus M.C. Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfried Gyselaers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Marc Spaanderman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MUMC Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Inge Goovaerts
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Cardiology and Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Tibor Stoop
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Cardiology and Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Ella Roelant
- Clinical Trial Center (CTC), CRC Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Yves Jacquemyn
- Research Group ASTARC, Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Antwerp University Hospital, Belgium
| | - Emeline M Van Craenenbroeck
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Cardiology and Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, Translational Pathophysiological Research, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
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Osman MW, Nath M, Khalil A, Webb DR, Robinson TG, Mousa HA. The effects of metformin on maternal haemodynamics in gestational diabetes mellitus: A pilot study. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2018. [PMID: 29524482 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major clinical challenge and is likely to remain so as the incidence of GDM continues to increase. AIM To assess longitudinal changes in maternal haemodynamics amongst women diagnosed with GDM requiring either metformin or dietary intervention in comparison to low-risk healthy controls. METHODOLOGY Fifty-six pregnant women attending their first appointment at the GDM clinic and 60 low-risk healthy pregnant controls attending their routine antenatal clinics were recruited and assigned to three groups: GDM Metformin (GDM-M), GDM Diet (GDM-D) and Control. Non-invasive assessment of maternal haemodynamics, using recognised measures of arterial stiffness and central blood pressure (Arteriograph®), were undertaken under controlled conditions within four gestational windows: antenatal; AN1 (26-28 weeks), AN2 (32-34 weeks) and AN3 (37-40 weeks), and postnatal (PN) (6-8 weeks after delivery). Data were analysed using a linear mixed model incorporating gestational age and other relevant predictors, including age, blood pressure (BP), baseline bodyweight and pulse as fixed effects, and patient as a random effect. RESULTS Fitted linear mixed models showed evidence of a two-way interaction effect between groups (GDM-D, GDM-M and Control) and stages of gestation (AN1, AN2, AN3 and PN) for maternal haemodynamic parameters: brachial artery augmentation index (AIx) (p = 0.004), aortic AIx (p = 0.008), and central systolic BP (p = 0.001). However, differences in respect of aortic pulse wave velocity (p = 0.001) and heart rate (p < 0.001) were only significant for gestational stage. At AN2, we did not observe any evidence that the mean brachial Aix in the GDM-M was different from the control group (p = 0.158). CONCLUSION AIx and central systolic BP measures of arterial stiffness are adversely affected by GDM in comparison to controls during pregnancy. The possible beneficial effects of metformin therapy seen at 32 to 34 weeks of gestation require further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mintu Nath
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, UK.
| | | | - David R Webb
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, UK.
| | - Thompson G Robinson
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, UK.
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