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MedPulse - International Medical Journal, ISSN 2348-2516 E-ISSN: 2348-1897

Volume 1, Issue 6, June 2014 pp 233-240

Research Article

Comparative study of sympathetic activity in normal and preeclamptic pregnancy

Prachi K. Shelke¹, Barkat Ali Thobani², Mrunal S. Phatak³

¹Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Sri Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College, Yavatmal, Maharashtra, INDIA.

Academic Editor : Dr. Bhanap P. L.

Introduction: Abundant studies on the pathophysiologic mechanisms of Preeclampsia described that it is characterized by low circulating volume and high vascular resistance. This is exactly opposite of the hemodynamic changes that occur in normal pregnancy. It has been proposed that autonomic nervous system particularly sympathetic nervous system bring about these hemodynamic changes, but the exact role of autonomic control mechanism in pregnancy is poorly understood. So the study is conducted to evaluate and compare sympathetic functions in normal and preeclamptic pregnancy. Aim and Objectives: To compare the sympathetic activity in normal and preeclamptic pregnancy Material and Methods: Fifty normal pregnant and fifty preeclamptic pregnant females in the age group of 19-29 yrs were enrolled for the study after institutional ethical committee’s clearance was obtained. The cold pressor test and handgrip test performed on both the groups. The systolic and diastolic pressor response during the maneuver is noted and response compared between above two study groups. Result: In our study, we found that mean value of systolic and diastolic pressure response is significantly increased in cold pressor test in preeclamptic pregnant females as compared to normal one whereas in Handgrip test only diastolic pressure response is significantly increased in preeclamptic females. Discussion: A significantly increased vasoconstrictive response to a cold stimulus seen in preeclamptic females is a sign of an increased vascular reactivity, which is attributed to increased sympathetic activity. Increased blood pressure response in handgrip test can be explained by muscle metaboreflex which is activated by accumulation of metabolites, which were increased in preeclampsia as compared to normal pregnancy. Conclusion: From the study, we conclude that there is sympathetic over activity in preeclampsia as compared to normal pregnancy. It would be helpful in both preventive and control measures for this most common disorder of pregnancy.