Eriko Eto

Differences in uterine artery blood flow and fetal growth between the early and late onset of pregnancy-induced hypertension

PurposeWe continuously measured bilateral uterine artery (UA) blood flow and compared differences in UA blood flow to investigate the differences in pathophysiology between early- and late-onset pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and the usefulness of continuous monitoring of UA blood flow for the prediction of early-onset PIH.MethodsThe subjects were 76 PIH patients. The mean pulsatility index of bilateral UA (UAPI), an early diastolic notch in the velocity waveform, and regression curves were retrospectively examined and compared between early- and late-onset groups and the groups with and without fetal growth restriction (FGR).ResultsRegression curves of the UAPI in the early-onset group persisted at +2.0 standard deviations or more from the second to third trimester, while the UAPI in the late-onset group stayed within the normal range. A significantly higher mean UAPI with a high frequency of an early diastolic notch was observed in the early-onset group compared with the late-onset group in all pregnancy trimesters. There was a significant difference in UA resistance between the mild and severe groups and between the FGR and non-FGR groups, but to a small extent compared with the onset period.ConclusionThere was a difference in pathophysiology between early- and late-onset PIH. Continuous monitoring of UA blood flow might be useful for the prediction of early-onset PIH if high UA resistance has been observed.

Assessment of resting energy expenditure and body composition in Japanese pregnant women with diabetes

To measure longitudinal changes in resting energy expenditure and body composition of Japanese pregnant women with or without diabetes.

Sex differences in early growth during the first three years of life in offspring from mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension

OBJECTIVES Newborns born to mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) are thought to be at high risk for lifestyle-related diseases, such as obesity and hypertension, in adulthood. STUDY DESIGN A longitudinal study of 78 pregnant women with PIH and their newborns, who visited Okayama University Hospital from 2009 to 2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We investigated the change in growth of offspring born to mothers with PIH and compared it with the standard growth curve in Japanese to examine whether there was rapid catch-up growth during the first 3years of life. RESULTS Subjects were 78 pregnant women with PIH and their offspring, who visited Okayama University Hospital from 2009 to 2013. Valid responses were obtained from 29 of 78 (37.1%) women. Body weight and length at birth were at the third percentile or less in females, and at the 10th percentile or less, in males. When body weight and length were compared at 6months, 18months, and 3years old between male and female toddlers, male toddlers slowly caught up until 3years old, but female toddlers rapidly caught up in the first 6months. Furthermore, in newborns with fetal growth restriction caused by the intrauterine environment of PIH, differences in physical development between male and female toddlers were more remarkable. CONCLUSIONS There is a significant sex difference in catch-up growth during the first 3years, which might be involved in lifestyle-related diseases in adulthood, suggesting continuous follow-up is necessary, especially for female offspring.