Maternal Hypertension, Advanced Doppler Haemodynamics and Therapeutic Precision: Principles and Illustrative Cases

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Maternal hypertension is a common and serious condition associated with increased maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality, with early detection and management improving outcomes. Recent Findings: Blood pressure (BP) changes of pre-eclampsia are defined after 20 gestational weeks, while haemodynamic changes can be detected at 5–11 weeks using a specialised non-invasive Doppler stroke volume (SV) monitor. Thus, advanced haemodynamic monitoring allows for physiologically precise identification of circulatory abnormalities, and implementation of appropriate therapy within the first trimester. We measured the oscillometric BP and advanced haemodynamics (USCOM 1A) of 3 unselected women with singleton pregnancies, consecutively listed for therapeutic induction for maternal hypertension at 32–41 weeks gestational age. While the BP’s of the patients varied, it was the haemodynamics, particularly SV, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, Smith Madigan Inotropy Index, and oxygen deliver, that identified differing patterns of circulatory dysfunction, therapeutic objectives, and predicted post-partum complications of the mother and child. Summary: First trimester screening of maternal haemodynamics may allow for earlier detection of circulatory derangements, selection of patient precise interventions, and improved maternal-foetal outcomes.