Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in pre-eclampsia demonstrated by the EndoPAT method

Abstract

Objectives: The EndoPAT method has been used as a noninvasive method for assessing endothelial function in several non-pregnant populations. We investigated its possible use in assessing endothelial dysfunction in pre-eclampsia. Methods: Two hundred and fifteen participants were recruited and grouped as pre-eclamptic cases (105) and normotensive controls (110). Endothelial function and arterial stiffness were measured as reactive hyperaemia index and augmentation index, respectively, using the EndoPAT 2000 machine. Results: The reactive hyperaemia index was significantly lower in the pre-eclamptic group compared to the normotensive group (p ≤ 0.05). Augmentation index on the other hand was significantly higher in the pre-eclamptic group compared to the normotensive group (p ≤ 0.0001). Conclusion: The EndoPAT method demonstrates endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in pre-eclampsia.