A long-term transdermal nitric oxide donor improves uteroplacental circulation in women with preeclampsia.

Objective: To determine the effects of long-term transdermal administration (range, 4-30 days; mean +/- SD, 11.1+/-7.2 days) of isosorbide dinitrate, a nitric oxide donor, in preeclamptic women.

Methods: We studied uterine and fetoplacental circulation of 12 preeclamptic women with oligohydramnios and an elevated pulsatility index in the uterine arteries.

Results: Transdermal isosorbide dinitrate significantly suppressed the blood pressure of patients. Pulsed Doppler ultrasonography revealed that the average pulsatility index in the uterine arteries was significantly reduced by treatment with isosorbide dinitrate (P < .003). The average pulsatility index in the umbilical artery was also significantly reduced (P < .004). Furthermore, the size of the amniotic fluid pocket increased approximately 4-fold by treatment with isosorbide dinitrate.

Conclusions: Long-term transdermal administration of isosorbide dinitrate improves fetoplacental circulation and may be effective therapy for avoiding maternal hypertension and oligohydramnios in some preeclamptic women.