Negative Correlation between Placental Growth Factor and Endocan-1 in Women with Preeclampsia.

Objective:  To analyze endocan-1, a biomarker of vascular endothelial related pathologies, and the placental growth factor (PlGF), an angiogenic factor and a placental dysfunction marker in patients with preeclampsia (PE).

Methods:  Case-control study conducted at Hospital São Lucas, in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Endocan-1 and PlGF levels were quantified in the maternal plasma using the MagPlexTH-C microsphere system (MAGPIX System, Luminex, Austin, Texas, US) and evaluated through analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and adjusted by body mass index (BMI), gestational age and maternal age.

Flow-mediated dilatation in the differential diagnosis of preeclampsia syndrome.

Background: The preeclampsia syndrome is associated with endothelial dysfunction and the differential diagnosis between pure preeclampsia (PE) and superimposed preeclampsia (SPE) can be only be attained 12 weeks after delivery.

Objective: To compare the assessment of endothelial function through flow-mediated dilatation in pregnant women with pure preeclampsia and superimposed preeclampsia.

Methods: The flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery was carried out according to the recommendations of the International Brachial Artery Reactivity Task Force in pregnant women with preeclampsia syndrome.

Does uric acid provide information about maternal condition and fetal outcome in pregnant women with hypertension?

Objective: To evaluate associations between maternal serum uric acid (UA) levels, maternal status, and fetal outcome.

Methods: Maternal UA, urinary protein-creatinine ratio (P/C), blood pressure (BP), gestational age at delivery, and birth weight were evaluated in hypertensive pregnant women (n = 58). These were divided into two groups: high UA (> or =357 micromol/L) or normal UA (<357 micromol/L).