Hypolumbarlordosis: a predisposing factor for preeclampsia

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this research was to study the relationship between lumbar lordosis and preeclampsia. Study Design: We studied lumbar lordosis of 52 primipara patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension and 59 normal primipara pregnant women. We determined the lumbar lordotic deviation (LLD) from lumbar lordosis measurement device in the lateral recumbent position and standing position. Roll-over test was performed for both groups. Resistance index (RI) of internal iliac artery was also measured by color Doppler sonography. Results: The LLD was 33±6.1° week 20–29 and 34±6.9° week 30–40, respectively. In patients with preeclampsia, the LLD was 19.8±6.3° week 20–29, 21.3±7.9° week 30–40. The LLD in patients with preeclampsia was significantly lower than in the normal pregnant women. The LLD correlated to the increase diastolic pressure after roll-over test significantly. Hypolumbarlordosis was frequently associated with high resistance of peripheral vessel. Conclusions: We conclude that hypolumbarlordosis is frequently associated with preeclampsia. It is also closely related to the mechanism for positive roll-over test and increase of resistance of vessels. As lumbar lordosis does not change greatly in individuals before pregnancy, hypolumbarlordosis may be a predisposing factor for preeclampsia.