Peripheral arterial tonometry and angiogenic biomarkers in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in vascular function and serum biomarkers in women with and without preeclampsia (PE) to create a model for the easier and more precise diagnosis of PE in the future.

METHODS: Endothelial function and arterial stiffness were evaluated using peripheral arterial tonometry and concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and soluble endoglin (sEng) were determined by immunoassay.

RESULTS: Arterial stiffness deteriorates and endothelial function is better in women with PE compared with a healthy pregnancy. Women who developed PE had a decreased PlGF and PlGF/(sFlt-1+ sEng) ratio and an increased sEng, and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio.

CONCLUSION: Peripheral arterial analysis did provide additional information beyond serum biomarkers in the diagnosis of PE.