Peripartal temporal course of endothelin 1, angiotensin II, and atrial natriuretic peptide in pre-eclampsia and normotensive pregnancy

Objective: To investigate the temporal peripartal course of plasma endothel in 1 (ET-I), angiotensin II (ANG II), and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in patients with pre-eclampsia as compared to women with normotensive pregn ancy. Methods: Levels of ET-1, ANG II, and ANP were measured by means of ra dio-immunoassay twice a week in 17 patients with pre-eclampsia and in 17 wo men with normotensive uncomplicated pregnancy during four different periods : (a) from admission to 1 week before delivery, (b) 1st week before deliver y, (c) 1st week after delivery, and (d) 2nd week after delivery. Results: E T-1 levels were not statistically different between the two groups. ANG II concentrations were lower in the pre-eclampsia group than in the control gr oup with statistical significance in period c (2.8 +/- 3.0 vs. 7.1 +/- 5.9 pg/ml, mean +/- SD). ANP levels were higher in pre-eclamptic women than in the control group, the difference being statistically significant in period a (54 +/- 46 vs. 11 +/- 16 pg/ml) and in period c (122 +/- 134 vs. 39 +/- 22 pg/ml). Conclusions: There are considerable differences in ANP and ANG I I concentrations during the peripartal period between patients with pre-ecl ampsia and normotensive pregnant women. Decreased ANG II and elevated ANP l evels in the Ist week postpartum may reflect the clinical observation that some women deteriorate in this period.