Airway Narrowing in Pregnant Women with Pre-Eclampsia

A British study has found that pregnant women with pre-eclampsia have significantly smaller airways than other women, which could explain why these patients have an increased upper airway resistance while sleeping and a resulting rise in blood pressure. The study was reported in the January 15, 2003, issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Researchers measured the upper airway caliber in 137 women, of whom 50 were in the third trimester of a normal pregnancy, 37 had pre-eclampsia, and 50 were healthy nonpregnant women. Pre-eclampsia did not occur until the 20th week of gestation or later. The problem is characterized by hypertension, swelling from fluid in the face and hands, and the presence of protein in the urine.

The researchers found that patients with pre-clampsia had a significantly narrower upper airway when either seated or when lying on their back, compared to nonpregnant women. They also had a significantly larger neck circumference than normal pregnant women. This difference was believed to be due to tissue edema. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Edinburgh (Scotland, UK).




Related Links:
Univ. of Edinburgh