A study of vascular reactivity in women with pre-eclampsia using laser doppler fluximetry

Pre-eclampsia (PE) and eclampsia are severe complications of pregnancy of unknown aetiology. Laser Doppler fluximetry, a novel in-vivo technique, was used to assess cutaneous vascular reactivity in normotensive and pre-eclamptic women throughout pregnancy. The veno-arteriolar reflex was used as an index of peripheral vascular activity as it controls systemic resistance and thus blood pressure. Data collected prospectively in normal pregnant women were compared to responses in those with PE at different stages of pregnancy. The latter showed significantly greater vasoconstrictor responses (p

Author dc:creator

• WEI JIANLI

• pre-eclampsia, vascular reactivity, laser Doppler fluximeter, venoarteriolar reflex, oedema, pregnancy.