Maternal arterial stiffness in pregnancies complicated by gestational and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Do maternal haemodynamics have a causal influence on treatment for gestational diabetes?

BACKGROUND

Arterial stiffening is believed to contribute to the worsening of insulin resistance, and factors which are associated with needing pharmacological treatment of gestational diabetes (GDM), such as maternal obesity or advanced age, are associated with impaired cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy. In this observational study, we aimed to investigate causal relationships between maternal haemodynamics and treatment requirement amongst women with GDM.

METHODS

We assessed maternal haemodynamics in women with GDM, comparing those who remained on dietary treatment with those who required pharmacological management. Maternal haemodynamics were assessed using the Arteriograph® (TensioMed Ltd, Budapest, Hungary) and the NICOM® non-invasive bio-reactance method (Cheetah Medical, Portland, Oregon, USA). A graphical causal inference technique was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

120 women with GDM were included in the analysis. Maternal booking BMI was identified as having a causative influence on treatment requirement, with each unit increase in BMI increasing the odds of needing metformin and/or insulin therapy by 12% [OR 1.12 (1.02 - 1.22)]. The raw values of maternal heart rate (87.6 ± 11.7 vs. 92.9 ± 11.90 bpm, p = 0.014) and PWV (7.8 ± 1.04 vs. 8.4 ± 1.61 m/s, p = 0.029) were both significantly higher amongst the women requiring pharmacological management, though these relationships did not remain significant in causal logistic regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal BMI at booking has a causal, rather than simply associational, relationship on the need for pharmacological treatment of GDM. No significant causal relationships were found between maternal haemodynamics and the need for pharmacological treatment.

The association between pulse wave velocity and pregnancy-associated diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Maintaining healthy vascular structure and function is important for a healthy pregnancy. Obesity is a well-known predictor for poor postoperative outcomes of vascular surgery. However, the association between pulse wave velocity (PWV), a well-recognized parameter for arterial stiffness assessment, and pregnancy-associated diseases is still unclear. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review, and a meta-analysis was performed to assess the relevant associations.

Methods

We systematically searched the Web of Science and PubMed databases to obtain articles on PWV and pregnancy-associated diseases published before April 2023. The mean with standard deviation was used to assess the differences in PWV in pregnant women with or without relevant diseases. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to specific types of PWV. The Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the enrolled studies.

Results

A total of 6488 individuals from 21 studies were included. All enrolled studies were high-quality. Overall, the PWV was elevated in pregnant women who suffered from preeclampsia (mean difference (MD) = 0.67, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.51,0.83, P < 0.00001), hypertension (MD = 1.04, 95 % CI: 1.00,1.08, P < 0.00001), gestational diabetes mellitus (MD = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.19,0.48, P < 0.00001), and diabetes (MD = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.27,0.70, P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis based on specific types of PWV showed similar results.

Conclusion

In our study, PWV is elevated in pregnancy-associated diseases, including preeclampsia, hypertension, and diabetes. The PWV assessment should be regarded as a clinical routine for pregnant women to prevent and manage cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy.

Maternal Hemodynamics from Preconception to Delivery: Research and Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications: Position Statement by Italian Association of Pre-Eclampsia and Italian Society of Perinatal Medicine

OBJECTIVE

 The Italian Association of Preeclampsia (AIPE) and the Italian Society of Perinatal Medicine (SIMP) developed clinical questions on maternal hemodynamics state of the art.

STUDY DESIGN

 AIPE and SIMP experts were divided in small groups and were invited to propose an overview of the existing literature on specific topics related to the clinical questions proposed, developing, wherever possible, clinical and/or research recommendations based on available evidence, expert opinion, and clinical importance. Draft recommendations with a clinical rationale were submitted to 8th AIPE and SIMP Consensus Expert Panel for consideration and approval, with at least 75% agreement required for individual recommendations to be included in the final version.

RESULTS

 More and more evidence in literature underlines the relationship between maternal and fetal hemodynamics, as well as the relationship between maternal cardiovascular profile and fetal-maternal adverse outcomes such as fetal growth restriction and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Experts agreed on proposing a classification of pregnancy hypertension, complications, and cardiovascular states based on three different hemodynamic profiles depending on total peripheral vascular resistance values: hypodynamic (>1,300 dynes·s·cm-5), normo-dynamic, and hyperdynamic (<800 dynes·s·cm-5) circulation. This differentiation implies different therapeutical strategies, based drugs' characteristics, and maternal cardiovascular profile. Finally, the cardiovascular characteristics of the women may be useful for a rational approach to an appropriate follow-up, due to the increased cardiovascular risk later in life.

CONCLUSION

 Although the evidence might not be conclusive, given the lack of large randomized trials, maternal hemodynamics might have great importance in helping clinicians in understanding the pathophysiology and chose a rational treatment of patients with or at risk for pregnancy complications.

KEY POINTS

· Altered maternal hemodynamics is associated to fetal growth restriction.. · Altered maternal hemodynamics is associated to complicated hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.. · Maternal hemodynamics might help choosing a rational treatment during hypertensive disorders..

Reference-range of arterial stiffness by cardio-ankle vascular index in normal pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To establish the arterial stiffness, represented by the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) at various gestational ages among low-risk pregnant women. The second objective is to construct the reference range of mean arterial pressure and maternal heart rate during pregnancy.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on low risk pregnant Thai women, meeting the following inclusion criteria: 1) singleton pregnant women aged 18 years old or over; 2) gestational age between 11 and 40 weeks; 3) low-risk pregnancy without any underlying medical diseases; and 4) known final pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes and fetal growth restriction were excluded. The mean CAVI, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate were measured at each gestational age.

RESULTS

A total of 329 measurements for each parameter were available for analysis. CAVI was significantly correlated with gestational age with the best fitted model: CAVI = 6.952 - 0.076(GA) + 0.001(GA)2; SD = 0.742 (R2 = 0.049; p-value < 0.001). The maternal age and pre-pregnancy BMI were correlated with CAVI. CAVI gradually increased with maternal age and decreased with increasing body mass index (BMI). The MAP and heart rate of normal pregnancy in each gestation were conducted.

CONCLUSION

The reference range of CAVI in normal pregnancies as a function of gestational age and the model for predicting CAVI based on multiple regression analysis are constructed and presented. These reference ranges may be useful in predicting risk of cardiovascular disorders during pregnancy.

Maternal hemodynamic changes in gestational diabetes: a prospective case-control study

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to compare maternal hemodynamic adaptations in gestational diabetes (GDM) versus healthy pregnancies.

METHODS

A prospective case-control study was conducted, comparing 69 singleton pregnancies with GDM and 128 controls, recruited between September 2018 and April 2019 in Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy. Hemodynamic assessment by UltraSonic Cardiac Output Monitor (USCOM) was performed in both groups in four gestational age intervals: 17-20 weeks (only in early GDM cases), 26-30 weeks, 32-35 weeks and 36-39 weeks. We evaluated six hemodynamic parameters comparing GDM cases versus controls: cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume (SV), total vascular resistance (TVR), inotropy index (INO) and potential to kinetic energy ratio (PKR).

RESULTS

GDM group had significantly lower values of CO and SV than controls from the early third trimester (26-30 weeks) until term (p < 0.001). CI is significantly lower in GDM women already at the first evaluation (p = 0.002), whereas TVR and PKR were significantly higher in GDM (p < 0.001). GDM women showed also lower INO values than controls in all assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

A hemodynamic maternal maladaptation to pregnancy can be detected in GDM women. The effect of hyperglycemia on vascular system or a poor pre-pregnancy cardiovascular (CV) reserve could explain this hemodynamic maladaptation. The abnormal CV response to pregnancy in GDM women may reveal a predisposition to develop CV disease later in life and might help in identifying patients who need a CV follow-up.

The cardio-ankle vascular index as a predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between maternal hemodynamic parameters; cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), representing arterial stiffness; mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (Ut-PI), and adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted on low-risk pregnancies. All were serially measured for the mean CAVI, MAP, and Ut-PI for four times at gestational age (GA) 11-14, 18-22, 28-32, and after 36 weeks. Also, the women were followed up for pregnancy outcomes, focusing on PE, FGR, and GDM.

RESULTS

Of 335 recruited cases meeting the inclusion criteria, 16 cases developed PE, 24 cases had FGR, and 83 cases had GDM. Compared to the non-PE group, women developing PE had a significant increase in CAVI at 18-22, 28-32, and after 36 weeks (P-value = 0.021, 0.003, and <0.001, respectively), a significant increase in MAP at all of the four periods (P-value < 0.001, for all periods), and a significant increase in Ut-PI during GA 18-22 weeks (P-value = 0.021). In pregnancies with FGR, there was a significant increase of CAVI at GA 18-22, 28-32 and after 36 weeks (P-value = 0.012, 0.015, and 0.004, respectively), an increase in Ut-PI in all gestational periods (P-value < 0.05) but no changes of MAP throughout pregnancy. In GDM, the three parameters were not significantly different from those in the non-GDM group in all of the four periods. CAVI could predict PE and FGR with AUC of 0.655-0.835 and 0.673-0.760, respectively. CAVI added predictive values when combined with MAP or Ut-PI.

CONCLUSION

Increased CAVI, like MAP and Ut-PI, can be used as a predictor of PE and FGR but not GDM. Also, it has an added predictive value when combined with MAP or Ut-PI.

Wave intensity analysis of maternal arterial stiffness: augmentation index and pulse wave velocity in pregnancies complicated by diabetes or hypertension

PURPOSE

The aim of our study was to compare the maternal arterial stiffness in pregnant women with diabetic disease, hypertension and those with normal pregnancies.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed involving 65 pregnant women with diabetic disease (DD group), 26 pregnant women with hypertension (RR group) and 448 women with normal pregnancies (control group). The augmentation index (AIx) and the pulse wave velocity (PWV) of the right carotid artery were assessed using non-invasive sonographic wave intensity analysis. Furthermore, the reliability of the measurements was evaluated in 21 healthy women.

RESULTS

Compared with the controls, the AIx and PWV were increased in the DD group [11.0 (interquartile range, IQR 7.3, 15.2) vs. 5.7 (IQR 2.4, 9.3), P < 0.001; 5.7 (IQR 5.1, 6.4) vs. 5.2 (IQR 4.6, 6.1), P = 0.001; respectively] and the RR group [9.3 (IQR 6.6, 11.5) vs. 5.7 (IQR 2.4, 9.3), P < 0.001; 7.1 (6.3, 7.9) vs. 5.2 (IQR 4.6, 6.1), P < 0.001; respectively]. The intraclass and interclass correlation coefficients were good to excellent for the AIx (ICC: 0.91, P < 0.001 and 0.74, P < 0.002; respectively) and PWV measurements (ICC: 0.71, P < 0.004 and 0.70, P < 0.005; respectively).

CONCLUSION

Pregnancies complicated by diabetic disease or hypertension are associated with increased maternal arterial stiffness. The importance of wave intensity analysis needs to be verified and larger studies are needed to establish both normal and cutoff values that may be relevant for clinical decisions.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Treatment Schemes Modify Maternal Plasma Cholesterol Levels Dependent to Women´s Weight: Possible Impact on Feto-Placental Vascular Function

: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) associates with fetal endothelial dysfunction (ED), which occurs independently of adequate glycemic control. Scarce information exists about the impact of different GDM therapeutic schemes on maternal dyslipidemia and obesity and their contribution to the development of fetal-ED. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GDM-treatments on lipid levels in nonobese (N) and obese (O) pregnant women and the effect of maternal cholesterol levels in GDM-associated ED in the umbilical vein (UV). O-GDM women treated with diet showed decreased total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) levels with respect to N-GDM ones. Moreover, O-GDM women treated with diet in addition to insulin showed higher TC and LDL levels than N-GDM women. The maximum relaxation to calcitonin gene-related peptide of the UV rings was lower in the N-GDM group compared to the N one, and increased maternal levels of TC were associated with even lower dilation in the N-GDM group. We conclude that GDM-treatments modulate the TC and LDL levels depending on maternal weight. Additionally, increased TC levels worsen the GDM-associated ED of UV rings. This study suggests that it could be relevant to consider a specific GDM-treatment according to weight in order to prevent fetal-ED, as well as to consider the possible effects of maternal lipids during pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes: Physical Activity Before Pregnancy and Its Influence on the Cardiovascular System

Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication in pregnancy, affecting around 14% of all pregnancies each year. It will likely further increase, as obesity becomes more prevalent. The impact of GDM on cardiovascular changes in pregnant women and her child is still unclear. The aim of the study was to measure the effects of physical activity before pregnancy on the cardiovascular system in patients with GDM in pregnancy. Methods: Two hundred and six pregnant women were included in this observational study. All participants were recruited at the tertiary level teaching University Hospital "Klinikum rechts der Isar" between 28 and 32 weeks gestation. Questionnaires dealing with pre-pregnancy daily and physical activity (PA) were evaluated. The cardiovascular status of the mothers included measurements of the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid arteries. PA level was performed with a standardized 6-min-walking-test. Results: Ninety-nine women with GDM with a mean age of 33.84 (± 4.7) years were examined. One hundred seven healthy pregnant women aged 32.6 (± 4.2) years served as controls. The mean weight in the study group was 73.0 (± 20.3) kg and 61.7 (± 9.5) kg in the control group. Based on the higher weight in the study group, the Body Mass Index (BMI) was also significantly higher than in the control group (26.3 ± 7.1 vs. 21.6 ± 3; p < 0.001). The frequency of PA was significantly higher in the control group (p < 0.001). The objective fitness level was worse in pregnant women with GDM compared to healthy controls (472 vs. 523 m, p < 0.001). PA before and during pregnancy was less performed in the study group (86 vs. 64.5%, p = 0.002; 69 vs. 45.7%, p = 0.003). Women who were physically inactive before pregnancy had a 3-times higher risk to develop GDM compared to active women (OR = 2.67). The IMT was significantly thicker in the study group (0.48 ± 0.042 mm vs. 0.45 ± 0.042) mm; p = 0.006). Conclusion: Physical activity before pregnancy and a lower initial weight reduces the risk of developing GDM and cardiovascular risk factors in pregnancy. The development of prevention programs is certainly necessary.

Maternal arterial stiffness and fetal cardiovascular physiology in diabetic pregnancy

OBJECTIVES

In mothers with pregestational or gestational diabetes, abnormal arterial stiffness (stiffer arteries) has been reported. The impact of abnormal maternal arterial stiffness on placental and fetal cardiovascular physiology is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of maternal diabetes on maternal arterial stiffness and the association with fetal cardiovascular physiology as measured by fetal echocardiography.

METHODS

Between December 2013 and January 2017 a prospective study was conducted on diabetic (but otherwise healthy) and non-diabetic, healthy pregnant mothers aged 18-40 years at 20-28 weeks' gestation who had a normal fetal cardiac echocardiogram and obstetric ultrasound. Clinical data were collected by means of a patient questionnaire and measurement of blood pressure, height, weight, arterial augmentation index (AIx) and placental and fetal cardiovascular parameters were collected by fetal echocardiography. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Comparisons were made using parametric and non-parametric tests between controls and diabetic mothers.

RESULTS

Twenty-three healthy pregnant controls and 43 diabetic pregnant women (22 with pregestational and 21 with gestational diabetes) were included in the study. Maternal AIx was higher in those with diabetes than in healthy controls (12.4 ± 10.6% vs 4.6 ± 7.9%; P = 0.003). Fetal aortic valve (AoV) velocity time integral (VTI) was higher in fetuses whose mothers had diabetes than in those with non-diabetic mothers (7.7 ± 1.9 cm vs 6.3 ± 3.0 cm; P = 0.022). Left ventricular (LV) myocardial performance index (MPI) was lower in diabetic pregnancies than in controls (0.40 ± 0.09 vs 0.46 ± 0.11; P = 0.021). Umbilical artery (UA) resistance index (RI) was lower in diabetic pregnancies with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels ≥ 6.5% than in those with HbA1c levels < 6.5% (0.69 ± 0.06, n = 15 vs 0.76 ± 0.08, n = 21; P = 0.009) but not at higher HbA1C cut-offs. No correlation between AIx and AoV-VTI, LV-MPI or UA-RI was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial stiffness is higher in pregnant women with diabetes than in controls. Fetuses of diabetic mothers show altered cardiovascular parameters, with higher AoV-VTI and lower LV-MPI, which are markers of myocardial function. Placental function assessed by UA-RI was normal despite differences between groups. Arterial stiffness did not correlate with placental or fetal cardiovascular variables. Instead, the findings are likely to represent a shared response to the environment of abnormal glucose metabolism. The clinical significance of these findings is yet to be determined. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Preeclampsia is associated with increased ambulatory arterial stiffness index in type 1 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of mild to moderate hypertension might not benefit maternal or fetal outcome. This pessimistic point of view may have come about by using non-validated methods for measuring blood pressure in pregnancy combined with inadequate methodology for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring effects.

AIM

To determine the association between AASI in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and preeclampsia, and to assess the ability of AASI to diagnose preeclampsia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Repeated 24-h ambulatory blood pressure recordings were performed three times during pregnancy and once three months postpartum in 151 women with T1DM and 50 control women without diabetes. Circadian rhythm was evaluated as the night day ratio, night blood pressure divided by day blood pressure.

RESULTS

Of the T1DM women, 33 developed preeclampsia, which was associated with AASI in the 3rd trimester (p<0.05). The best predictor of preeclampsia in T1DM was an AASI of 0.35. The diurnal blood pressure was significantly higher in all trimesters in women who later had preeclampsia. A flattened circadian rhythm was present in T1DM women with preeclampsia compared to women without preeclampsia (night-day ratio: systole 2nd trimester: 0.94±0.07 vs. 0.91±0.05, women with and without preeclampsia, respectively, p=0.015; diastole 2nd trimester: 0.89±0.07 vs. 0.85±0.07, p=0.003). AASI was higher during pregnancy compared to postpartum in women with T1DM (0.31±0.16, 0.31±0.16 and 0.33±0.18 vs. 0.25±0.17; 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester vs. postpartum).

CONCLUSION

Women with T1DM and preeclampsia demonstrate increased arterial stiffness and had early manifestations in the non-dipping of blood pressure.

Association of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus With Left Ventricular Structure and Function: The CARDIA Study

OBJECTIVE

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) predicts incident cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, mechanisms linking GDM to CVD beyond intervening incident diabetes are not well understood. We examined the relation of GDM with echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular (LV) structure and function, which are important predictors of future CVD risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 609 women (43% black) from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study who delivered one or more births during follow-up and had echocardiograms in 1990-1991 (mean age 28.8 years) and 2010-2011.

RESULTS

During the 20-year follow-up, 965 births were reported, with GDM developing in 64 women (10.5%). In linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographic factors, BMI, physical activity, parity, smoking, use of oral contraceptives, alcohol intake, family history of coronary heart disease, systolic blood pressure, and lipid levels, women with GDM had impaired longitudinal peak strain (-15.0 vs. -15.7%, P = 0.025), circumferential peak strain (-14.8 vs. -15.6%, P = 0.028), lateral e' wave velocity (11.0 vs. 11.8 cm/s, P = 0.012), and septal e' wave velocity (8.6 vs. 9.3 cm/s, P = 0.015) in 2010-2011 and a greater 20-year increase in LV mass indexed to body surface area (14.3 vs. 6.0 g/m(2), P = 0.006) compared with women with non-GDM pregnancies. Further adjustment for incident type 2 diabetes after pregnancy did not attenuate these associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy complicated by GDM is independently associated with increased LV mass and impaired LV relaxation and systolic function. Implementation of postpartum cardiovascular health interventions in women with a history of GDM may offer an additional opportunity to reduce future CVD risk.

Aortic Stiffness and Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in later life, but the mechanism remains unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate indices of glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, and arterial stiffness (as measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV)), in women with and without a history of GDM, using both the old WHO and new IADPSG diagnostic criteria, at 5 years after the index pregnancy. Dyslipidemia and PWV were used as surrogate markers for CVD risk. The population-based prospective cohort included 300 women from the original STORK study. All participants had an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during pregnancy. Five years later, the OGTT was repeated along with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, lipid analysis, and PWV analysis. Measurements were compared between those women who did and did not have GDM based on both the WHO and IADPSG criteria. We found that women with GDM based on the old WHO criteria had higher CVD risk at 5 years than those without GDM, with markedly elevated PWV and more severe dyslipidemia (higher triglycerides (TG)/HDL cholesterol ratio). After adjusting for known risk factors, the most important predictors for elevated PWV and TG/HDL-C ratio at 5-year follow-up were maternal age, BMI, GDM, systolic blood pressure, and indices of glucose metabolism in the index pregnancy. In conclusion, we found a higher risk for CVD, based on the surrogate markers PWV and TG/HDL-C ratio, at 5-year follow-up in women diagnosed with GDM in the index pregnancy when using the old WHO diagnostic criteria.

First-trimester uterine artery Doppler examination in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus with or without pre-eclampsia

OBJECTIVES

To assess first-trimester placental perfusion, reflected in the uterine artery (UtA) pulsatility index (PI), in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), with or without pre-eclampsia (PE), compared with those unaffected by GDM.

METHODS

UtA-PI was measured at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation in 1037 singleton pregnancies that subsequently developed GDM and in 56 649 normoglycemic controls. The measured mean UtA-PI was converted to multiples of the expected normal median (MoM), corrected for maternal weight, racial origin and gestational age, and the median MoM values in the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The incidence of PE was higher in pregnancies with GDM than in controls (4.0% vs 2.3%, respectively; P =  0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the median UtA-PI MoM between the groups (1.00 (interquartile range (IQR), 0.82-1.21) vs 1.00 (IQR, 0.81-1.21); P = 0.73). The median UtA-PI in patients who developed PE was higher than in those who did not develop PE, regardless of the development of GDM.

CONCLUSIONS

First-trimester placental perfusion, as assessed by UtA Doppler examination, is not impaired in women who subsequently develop GDM. The increased prevalence of PE in women with GDM cannot be attributed to impaired placentation.

Cardiovascular disease in menopause: Does the obstetric history have any bearing?

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in menopausal women in spite of the overall reduction in age-adjusted mortality from the disease in the last few years. It is now clear that mechanisms of cardiovascular disease in menopausal women are similar to men and rather than midlife acceleration of cardiovascular disease in women, the final impact of cardiovascular disease in later life may be a reflection of cardiovascular changes during reproductive years as a result of woman’s obstetric history. A decade after the Women’s Health Initiative trial, there is upcoming evidence to suggest that hormone replacement therapy in young recently menopausal women has a cardioprotective effect. Cardiovascular changes during normal pregnancy or pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia may affect a woman’s long-term cardiovascular health. Therefore, it is plausible that the cardioprotective benefit of hormone replacement therapy depends on occult pre-existing cardiovascular risks in women in relation to their previous obstetric history. In this review, we describe the cardiovascular changes during and after pregnancy in obstetric complications such as recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm labour and gestational diabetes; existing evidence regarding their association with cardiovascular disease later in life, and hypothesize possible mechanisms. Our aim is to improve the understanding and highlight the importance of including obstetric history in risk assessment in menopausal women and individualizing their risks before prescribing hormone replacement therapy. Future research in risk benefit assessment of hormone replacement therapy should also account for a woman’s background cardiovascular risk in the light of her obstetric history.

Cardiometabolic consequences of gestational dysglycemia

The development of gestational diabetes and even milder forms of dysglycemia during pregnancy represents a maternal phenotype at increased subsequent risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and, with time, overt cardiovascular disease. A careful and systematic dissection of the hormonal, metabolic, and vascular changes occurring in such women during pregnancy and over the postpartum years provides a unique opportunity to identify conventional and novel conditions and biomarkers whose modification may attenuate adverse long-term outcomes, particularly cardiovascular risk. The purpose of this review is to summarize current understanding of the magnitude of such risk and its potential causes, with a particular focus on postpartum alterations in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle responsiveness.

Need for insulin to control gestational diabetes is reflected in the ambulatory arterial stiffness index

BACKGROUND

The aim was to evaluate the metabolic profile in conjunction with vascular function using the ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) in women with uncomplicated pregnancies and in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

Plasma glucose, lipids, HOMA -IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) and AASI, as obtained from 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in third trimester pregnancy and at three months postpartum, were measured in three groups of women: controls (N=32), women with GDM on diet (N=42) and women with GDM requiring insulin treatment (N=10).

RESULTS

Women with GDM had poorer glycemic control and higher HOMA-IR during and after pregnancy and their total and LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels were significantly higher after pregnancy than in the controls. After delivery, there was an improvement in AASI from 0.26±0.10 to 0.17±0.09 (P=0.002) in women with GDM on diet, but not in women with GDM receiving insulin whose AASI tended to worsen after delivery from 0.30±0.23 to 0.33±0.09 (NS), then being significantly higher than in the other groups (P=0.001-0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with GDM had more unfavorable lipid profile and higher blood glucose values at three months after delivery, the metabolic profile being worst in women requiring insulin. Interestingly, the metabolic disturbances at three months postpartum were accompanied by a tendency towards arterial stiffness to increase in women requiring insulin.

Maternal hemodynamics at 11-13 weeks of gestation and preterm birth

OBJECTIVE

Women who experience preterm birth (PTB) are at increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the subsequent decades. Individuals with cardiovascular disorders have increased central aortic systolic blood pressure (SBP(Ao)) and arterial stiffness, assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx). The aim of this screening study was to evaluate SBP(Ao), PWV and AIx at 11-13 weeks' gestation in women who delivered preterm.

METHODS

This was a prospective study in singleton pregnancies at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation. Maternal history and characteristics were recorded, and PWV, AIx and SBP(Ao) were measured. We compared these parameters in women who had spontaneous (n = 244) or iatrogenic (n = 110) PTB before 37 weeks' gestation and before 34 weeks with those in women who had term delivery (n = 7489).

RESULTS

Compared with women who had term delivery, women who had iatrogenic PTB had significantly higher AIx (1.08 (interquartile range (IQR), 0.91-1.27) multiples of the median (MoM), vs. 1.00 (IQR, 0.86-1.16) MoM) and SBP(Ao) (1.06 (IQR, 0.98-1.15) MoM vs. 1.00 (IQR, 0.93-1.07) MoM). However, there was no significant difference in AIx, PWV or SBP(Ao) between those who had spontaneous PTB and those who had term delivery. These findings were similar for those who had PTB at < 34 and < 37 weeks' gestation.

CONCLUSION

Women who had iatrogenic PTB, but not those who had spontaneous PTB, have increased SBP(Ao) and arterial stiffness that is apparent from as early as the first trimester of pregnancy.

Central aortic blood pressure and augmentation index during normal pregnancy

The current study tested the hypothesis that pregnancy-related changes are more pronounced in central hemodynamics, and both central aortic systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and augmentation index (AIx) are independent from brachial systolic blood pressure (bSBP) in normal pregnant subjects. In 830 healthy pregnant women from 12 to 36 weeks gestation, we measured cSBP and AIx-75 (AIx at heart rate of 75 beats per minute) non-invasively by pulse waveforms of the radial artery using an automated applanation tonometric system. In 69 pregnant women, we recorded these data longitudinally. cSBP and AIx-75 significantly declined during pregnancy, reaching its nadir in mid-pregnancy and rising towards term. Pregnancy-related changes were more pronounced in AIx-75 compared with cSBP, but less evident in bSBP. AIx-75, but not cSBP, was independent from bSBP throughout pregnancy. cSBP and AIx-75, but not bSBP, were significantly increased in healthy pregnant women older than 35 years. This study established normal values for pulse wave analysis parameters throughout pregnancy, and indicated that pulse wave analysis might offer additional and independent information about maternal arterial compliance to conventional brachial blood pressure measurements. These data may be used as the basis for further investigation into the role of pulse wave analysis in the assessment, management and prediction of disorders, which might interfere with pregnancy-related cardiovascular adaptations.

Assessment of arterial stiffness in women with gestational diabetes

AIMS

Gestational diabetes mellitus may precede development of Type 2 diabetes and may be related to cardiovascular disease. Pulse wave velocity measurement is the gold-standard method to evaluate arterial stiffness, a preclinical cardiovascular risk marker. However, the relationship between aortic stiffness and gestational diabetes is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate aortic pulse wave velocity in women with gestational diabetes in comparison with a matched control group of healthy pregnant women.

METHODS

This case-control study included 24 women with gestational diabetes and 27 matched control subjects. Clinical, demographic and laboratory variables were obtained and aortic pulse wave velocity were measured.

RESULTS

Both groups had similar age, gestational age, BMI, ethnicity, smoking status and blood pressure levels. Women with gestational diabetes had aortic pulse wave velocity comparable with control subjects: 7.2 ± 0.9 vs. 7.3 ± 1.2 m/s (P = 0.79). When categorized according to the median value of pulse wave velocity (7.3 m/s), age (P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.03) and heart rate (P = 0.02) were associated with increased arterial stiffness. In the group with gestational diabetes, there was a non-significant trend towards higher 1-h postprandial glycaemia in patients with higher (above the median) pulse wave velocity (6.5 ± 0.8 vs. 7.1 ± 1.3 mmol/l, P = 0.22) and a lower prevalence of patients with good glycaemic control (38.5 vs. 72.7%, P = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Although gestational diabetes may be a risk factor for development of cardiovascular disease, women with gestational diabetes do not have higher aortic stiffness than healthy pregnant women. Time of exposure to hyperglycaemia may have been insufficient to increase central arterial stiffness in women with gestational diabetes.

Influence of hyperglycemia during and after pregnancy on postpartum vascular function

Endothelial dysfunction is commonly observed in women with a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Whether arterial stiffness is also related to pregnancy and/or postpartum glucose intolerance has not been determined. We examined the influence of GDM during pregnancy and hyperglycemia in the postpartum period on arterial function. Thirty postpartum women were stratified into one of three groups: 1) normoglycemic pregnancy, normoglycemic postpartum (NORM), 2) GDM during pregnancy, normoglycemic postpartum (GDM-N); and 3) GDM during pregnancy, hyperglycemic postpartum (GDM-H). Ten never-pregnant controls were also recruited (Control). All measures were made at 2 mo postpartum or in the early follicular phase in Control women. Arterial stiffness was assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and brachial and carotid artery distensibility. Endothelial function was determined by flow-mediated dilation (FMD). PWV was not different between the four groups. Distensibility of the brachial and carotid arteries was lower in GDM-N women (brachial: 1.1 × 10(-3) mmHg(-1) ± 3.6 × 10(-4); carotid: 2.0 × 10(-3) ± 3.3 × 10(-4)) and GDM-H (brachial: 1.4 × 10(-3) mmHg(-1) ± 4.1 × 10(-4); carotid: 1.8 × 10(-3) mmHg(-1) ± 5.0 × 10(-4)) compared with NORM women (brachial: 3.4 × 10(-3) mmHg(-1) ± 7.0 × 10(-4); carotid: 3.9 × 10(-3) ± 7.4 × 10(-4)). However, only brachial artery distensibility returned to Control levels by 2 mo postpartum in the NORM women. FMD was lower in previously GDM women (GDM-N: 4.1% ± 2.3; GDM-H: 4.4% ± 0.9) compared with NORM women (10.8% ± 1.3; P < 0.01). These findings suggest that the vascular function of women in the early postpartum period is influenced by GDM during pregnancy and the persistence of clinical and/or subclinical hyperglycemia after delivery.

Preserved structural and functional characteristics of common carotid artery in properly treated normoglycemic women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at high risk of subsequently developing type 2 diabetes mellitus which is an important cardiovascular risk factor. We have evaluated whether preclinical morphological and functional arterial changes are present in GDM. Diameter, intima-media thickness (IMT), intima-media cross-section area (IMCSA) and elasticity features (compliance, distensibility coefficient, circumferential strain, stiffness index (SI) α and β, incremental elastic modulus) of the common carotid arteries (CCA) were studied in the 3rd trimester in 25 women with GDM, and 17 normal pregnant women matched for age and body mass index using an ultrasonographic vessel wall-movement tracking system and applanation tonometry. Mean IMT, IMCSA and SI α tended to be larger, whereas compliance was smaller in women with GDM but none of these differences were significant. Serum glucose (4.99 ± 0.51 vs. 4.79 ± 0.61 mmol/L, p=0.37) and HbA1c (5.33 ± 0.27 vs. 5.36 ± 0.47 mmol/L, p=0.85) proved normoglycemia in both groups. In conclusion, by the combination of methods we applied in this case control study, neither morphological nor functional characteristics of large elastic arteries differ significantly between well-treated normoglycemic women with GDM and non-diabetic pregnant women in the 3rd trimester.