Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
07:36
Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
Pre-eclampsia is associated with airway hyperresponsiveness
S Siddiqui1, N Goodman, S McKenna
1Institute of Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
BJOG : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|January 19, 2008
Summary
Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is more common in women with a history of pre-eclampsia. This study suggests a link between AHR and pre-eclampsia, warranting further research into potential mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Pre-eclampsia is a common complication of pregnancy.
- Asthma is also prevalent, and its hallmark, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), has been linked to various inflammatory conditions.
- The relationship between AHR and pre-eclampsia remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and a history of pre-eclampsia in postpartum women.
- To explore potential links between AHR, atopy, and pre-eclampsia.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 19 women 3-60 months postpartum.
- Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was assessed using methacholine challenge testing.
- Atopy was also evaluated in participants.
Main Results:
- Women with a history of pre-eclampsia exhibited significantly increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) compared to normotensive controls (PC20 FEV1: 8.9 vs. 72 mg/ml, P=0.01).
- AHR was also elevated in atopic pre-eclamptic women without asthma compared to their matched controls (PC20 FEV1: 9 vs. 54 mg/ml, P=0.038).
Conclusions:
- Increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is associated with a history of pre-eclampsia.
- The findings suggest a potential link between AHR and pre-eclampsia, necessitating further investigation into underlying mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.