Abstract
Introduction: In light of previous studies reporting the significant effects of preeclampsia on cardiac dimensions, we sought to evaluate changes in the left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions in patients with preeclampsia with a view to investigating changes in cardiac strain. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated healthy pregnant women and pregnant women suffering from preeclampsia who were referred to our hospital for routine healthcare services. LV strain was measured by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography. Results: Compared with the healthy group, echocardiography in the group with preeclampsia showed a significant increase in the LV end-diastolic diameter (47.43 ± 4.94 mm vs 44.84 ± 4.30 mm; P = 0.008), the LV end-systolic diameter (31.16 ± 33.3 mm vs 29.20 ± 3.75 mm; P = 0.008), and the right ventricular diameter (27.93 ± 1.71 mm vs 24.53 ± 23.3; P = 0.001). The mean global longitudinal strain was -18.69 ± 2.8 in the group with preeclampsia and -19.39 ± 3.49 in the healthy group, with the difference not constituting statistical significance (P = 0.164). The mean global circumferential strain in the groups with and without preeclampsia was -20.4 ± 12.4 and -22.68 ± 5.50, respectively, which was significantly lower in the preeclampsia group (P = 0.028). Conclusion: The development of preeclampsia was associated with an increase in the right and left ventricular diameters, as well as a decrease in the ventricular systolic function, demonstrated by a decline in global circumferential strain.
Highlights
In light of previous studies reporting the significant effects of preeclampsia on cardiac dimensions, we sought to evaluate changes in the left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions in patients with preeclampsia with a view to investigating changes in cardiac strain
Sufficient information as regards the study objectives was provided to the patients; and if they consented to participate in the study, the following variables were collected through a self-made questionnaire and echocardiography: age, the LV end-systolic size and volume, the LV enddiastolic volume, the E/E’ ratio, the number of parity, global longitudinal strain, global circumferential strain, the RV peak systolic myocardial velocity by tissue Doppler echocardiography (RVsm), the RV diameter, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)
The mean LV end-diastolic diameter was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group (47.43 ± 4.94 mm vs 44.84 ± 4.30 mm; P = 0.008), the mean LV end-systolic diameter was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group (31.16 ± 33.3 mm vs 29.20 ± 3.75 mm; P = 0.008), and the mean RV diameter was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group (27.93 ± 1.71 mm vs 24.53 ± 23.3 mm; P = 0.001)
Summary
In light of previous studies reporting the significant effects of preeclampsia on cardiac dimensions, we sought to evaluate changes in the left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions in patients with preeclampsia with a view to investigating changes in cardiac strain. There are studies that show the direct effects of preeclampsia on the left ventricular (LV) mass and other cardiac functional indices.[1] The cardiovascular system of women during pregnancy is subject to a specific set of physiological changes.[2] A reduction in systemic vascular resistance leads to a decrease in transfusion and an increase in blood volume, resulting in an increased venous preload. These hemodynamic changes lead to an increase in the thickness of the LV wall, as well as an increase in the size and volume of the LV through cardiac remodeling
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