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Atrial natriuretic factor in normal and hypertensive pregnancy
A L Bond1, P August, M L Druzin
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, NY 10021.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Atrial natriuretic factor levels were similar in normal pregnancy and chronic hypertension but significantly elevated in severe preeclampsia. Higher atrial natriuretic factor correlated with disease severity, not prediction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is implicated in blood pressure, renal function, and volume homeostasis.
- Understanding ANF's role in pregnancy, particularly hypertensive disorders, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate atrial natriuretic factor and plasma renin activity in normal pregnancy, chronic hypertension, and preeclampsia.
- To examine serial changes in these hormones throughout gestation and postpartum.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay was used to measure atrial natriuretic factor and plasma renin activity.
- Study included pregnant women with normal blood pressure, chronic hypertension, and preeclampsia, plus nonpregnant controls.
- Serial measurements were taken during trimesters and postpartum.
Main Results:
- Atrial natriuretic factor levels were comparable to controls in normal gestation and chronic hypertension.
- Mean atrial natriuretic factor was significantly higher in severe preeclampsia (antepartum and postpartum).
- An inverse relationship was observed between atrial natriuretic factor and plasma renin activity in hypertensive pregnancies.
Conclusions:
- Elevated atrial natriuretic factor is associated with severe preeclampsia, correlating with disease severity.
- Atrial natriuretic factor fluctuations did not predict preeclampsia development.
- Findings highlight ANF's role in the pathophysiology of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.