This prospective cohort study explores the long-term impact of pre-pregnancy smoking on vascular health in women predisposed to preeclampsia, conducted at the Medical University of Graz. The study specifically targets women at high risk for preeclampsia who are taking aspirin as a preventative measure. The main question it aims to answer is: Does smoking before pregnancy influence the development and severity of preeclampsia and its associated vascular changes in high-risk women? Participants, divided into former smokers and non-smokers, underwent comprehensive assessments throughout their pregnancies. Measurements included hemodynamic parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure, assessed with an upper arm cuff, and arterial stiffness, evaluated using pulse wave velocity with the Vicorder device. Retinal microvasculature was examined through digital imaging, and the vascular health marker ADMA, nicotine exposure marker cotinine, blood pressure regulatory enzyme neprilysin, and cellular aging indicator telomere length were quantified from blood samples. Cortisol levels were also measured from hair samples to assess stress responses.
The investigators collected extensive data on each participant, including age, BMI (body mass index), and medical history, to understand their baseline health. Routine laboratory tests were conducted to monitor the health status throughout the pregnancy. Preeclampsia biomarkers and Doppler ultrasound examinations of the uterine and umbilical arteries to assess fetal and placental blood flow were conducted. The investigators tracked the development of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension (GH), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Outcomes for the babies, such as birth weight, delivery method, gender, and the gestational week at delivery, were meticulously recorded to evaluate the broader impacts of maternal smoking and vascular health on neonatal outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SCREENING
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
This high-risk cohort underwent the same measurements during pregnancy: endothelial function, arterial stiffness, retinal microvasculature profile, measurement of Neprilysin, cotinine, telomere length, and routine laboratory parameters.
Medical University Graz
Graz, Styria, Austria
Change of Pulse wave velocity
Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV): A measure of how fast the blood pressure pulse travels through the arteries, used to assess arterial stiffness. Higher PWV indicates stiffer arteries, linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
Time frame: Measurements were conducted at three stages of pregnancy: (V1: 11-16 weeks), second trimester (V2: 24-28 weeks), and third trimester (V3: 34-37 weeks).
Change of Endothelial function
Endothelial Function Assessed through ADMA: Measurement of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide production, provides insights into endothelial health and its capacity to regulate vascular function.
Time frame: Measurements were conducted at three stages of pregnancy: (V1: 11-16 weeks), second trimester (V2: 24-28 weeks), and third trimester (V3: 34-37 weeks).
Change of retinal microvasculature profile
Retinal Microvasculature Profile Assessed through CRAE and CRVE: Central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) are used to gauge the caliber of retinal blood vessels, reflecting systemic microvascular health.
Time frame: Measurements were conducted at three stages of pregnancy: (V1: 11-16 weeks), second trimester (V2: 24-28 weeks), and third trimester (V3: 34-37 weeks).
Change of Neprilysin level
Neprilysin levels are analyzed to understand its role in modulating vasoactive peptides, which affect blood pressure and fluid balance.
Time frame: Measurements were conducted at three stages of pregnancy: (V1: 11-16 weeks), second trimester (V2: 24-28 weeks), and third trimester (V3: 34-37 weeks).
Change of Cotinine level
Measured to determine exposure to nicotine, providing a reliable indicator of smoking status or secondhand smoke exposure.
Time frame: Measurements were conducted at three stages of pregnancy: (V1: 11-16 weeks), second trimester (V2: 24-28 weeks), and third trimester (V3: 34-37 weeks).
Change of Telomere length
Telomere Length: The measurement of telomere length serves as a biomarker of cellular aging and an indicator of potential health risks and longevity.
Time frame: Measurements were conducted at three stages of pregnancy: (V1: 11-16 weeks), second trimester (V2: 24-28 weeks), and third trimester (V3: 34-37 weeks).
Blood parameters for high-risk pregnancy monitor
Blood parameters for high-risk pregnancy monitor kidney, liver, inflammation, blood count, electrolytes, enzymes, coagulation, proteins, and placental function. Kidney: Creatinine, urea, uric acid, eGFR. Liver: Bilirubin, GGT, AST, ALT. Inflammation: CRP. Blood count: Leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, platelets, MPV. Electrolytes: Na, K, Cl, Ca, Mg. Enzymes: CK, LDH, glucose. Coagulation: PT, INR, aPTT, fibrinogen, antithrombin. Proteins: Total protein, albumin. Placental markers: sFlt-1, PlGF. These help assess maternal-fetal health, detect conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and monitor complications in high-risk pregnancies.
Time frame: Measurements were conducted at three stages of pregnancy: (V1: 11-16 weeks), second trimester (V2: 24-28 weeks), and third trimester (V3: 34-37 weeks).
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