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The effect of angiotensin II on utero‐placental and umbilical circulation in normotensive pregnant women
Author(s) -
Yunohara T.,
Ito M.,
Sakoda Y.,
Okamura H.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/0020-7292(94)90118-x
Subject(s) - medicine , umbilical artery , uterine artery , fetus , gestation , angiotensin ii , vascular resistance , in utero , blood pressure , hemodynamics , fetal circulation , endocrinology , pregnancy , obstetrics , cardiology , placenta , biology , genetics
OBJECTIVES: The angiotensin sensitivity test (AST) has been used to identify pregnant women likely to develop pre‐eclampsia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate uteroplacental circulation and fetal response to angiotensin II (A‐II). METHODS: We studied blood flow velocity waveforms in the uterine and umbilical arteries of 23 normotensive pregnant women before, during and after the AST by Doppler ultrasonography. Fetal well‐being was documented with biophysical profiles (BPS). ANOVA and two‐way analysis of variation were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: Infusion of A‐II to normotensive pregnant women did not affect umbilical artery resistance at 20 or 30 weeks' gestation. Uterine artery resistance and maternal heart rate decreased significantly at 20 weeks' gestation with an AST‐induced 10 mmHg or 20 mmHg rise in diastolic blood pressure. The BPS were not altered after the AST. CONCLUSIONS: The AST does not increase vascular resistance in the uterine or umbilical circulation, and may be considered a safe procedure for both the mother and fetus.