Validation of the BPro radial pulse waveform acquisition device in pregnancy and gestational hypertensive disorders

Abstract

To validate the BPro blood pressure (BP) wrist device for use in pregnancy and preeclampsia according to the Universal Standard protocol. BP was measured sequentially in 45 pregnant women (including 15 with preeclampsia, 15 with gestational hypertension and 15 who remained normotensive) alternating between a mercury sphygmomanometer and BPro device. The BPro is accurate in pregnancy with a mean device-observer difference of -1.7 ± 6.1 and 0.1 ± 4.6 mmHg for SBP and DBP, respectively. In women with preeclampsia, BPro also met the validation criteria for the Universal Standard protocol with a mean device-observer difference of -2.7 ± 7.1 and 0.3 ± 4.7 mmHg for SBP and DBP, respectively. However, the number of absolute BP differences within 5 mmHg was considerably fewer in those with preeclampsia when compared to the other two subgroups. The BPro device can be recommended for BP measurement in pregnancy but should be used with caution in those with confirmed preeclampsia.