Umbilical artery tone in maternal obesity
Author Information
Author(s): Hehir Mark P, Moynihan Audrey T, Glavey Siobhan V, Morrison John J
Primary Institution: University College Hospital Galway
Hypothesis
The study hypothesized that there may be dysfunction, or altered contractile properties, in feto-placental vessels in association with maternal obesity.
Conclusion
The study found that umbilical artery tone is altered in association with maternal obesity, which may affect fetal growth and wellbeing.
Supporting Evidence
- 5-HT significantly increased umbilical artery tone in both normal and obese women.
- Contractile response was greater in umbilical arteries from obese women compared to those from normal BMI women.
- PgF2alpha also exerted a significant contractile effect but showed no significant difference between the two groups.
Takeaway
This study shows that when mothers are obese, the blood vessels in the umbilical cord can behave differently, which might not be good for the baby.
Methodology
Umbilical artery samples were obtained from women after delivery and tested for contractile properties using isometric recording in organ tissue baths.
Limitations
The study only tested two vasoactive agents and did not explore other potential compounds that may affect umbilical artery tone.
Participant Demographics
The study included 28 women, with a mean BMI of 24.02 kg/m2 for normal and 39.55 kg/m2 for obese participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.018
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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