Does Nicotine Influence the Risk of Preeclampsia? (PRE_Smoking)

Medical University of Graz

Status: Completed

Conditions: Endothelial Dysfunction; Preeclampsia (PE); Hypertension in Pregnancy

Treatments: Other: This high-risk cohort underwent the same measurements during pregnancy: endothelial function, arterial stiffness, retinal microvasculature profile, measurement of Neprilysin, cotinine, telomere length

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06645340

EK-Nr.: 31-541 ES 18/19

Details and patient eligibility

About

This prospective cohort study explores the long-term impact of pre-pregnancy smoking on vascular health in women predisposed to preeclampsia, conducted at the Medical University of Graz. The study specifically targets women at high risk for preeclampsia who are taking aspirin as a preventative measure.

The main question it aims to answer is:

Does smoking before pregnancy influence the development and severity of preeclampsia and its associated vascular changes in high-risk women?

Participants, divided into former smokers and non-smokers, underwent comprehensive assessments throughout their pregnancies. Measurements included hemodynamic parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure, assessed with an upper arm cuff, and arterial stiffness, evaluated using pulse wave velocity with the Vicorder device. Retinal microvasculature was examined through digital imaging, and the vascular health marker ADMA, nicotine exposure marker cotinine, blood pressure regulatory enzyme neprilysin, and cellular aging indicator telomere length were quantified from blood samples. Cortisol levels were also measured from hair samples to assess stress responses.

Full description

The investigators collected extensive data on each participant, including age, BMI (body mass index), and medical history, to understand their baseline health. Routine laboratory tests were conducted to monitor the health status throughout the pregnancy. Preeclampsia biomarkers and Doppler ultrasound examinations of the uterine and umbilical arteries to assess fetal and placental blood flow were conducted. The investigators tracked the development of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension (GH), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Outcomes for the babies, such as birth weight, delivery method, gender, and the gestational week at delivery, were meticulously recorded to evaluate the broader impacts of maternal smoking and vascular health on neonatal outcomes.

Enrollment: 40 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• a positive preeclampsia screening or a history of preeclampsia, daily intake of 150mg aspirin , and age over 18 years

Exclusion criteria

• twin pregnancies, fetal anomalies, maternal chronic renal diseases and discontinued aspirin intake.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Screening

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

---

40 participants in 2 patient groups

previous smokers

Other group

Description:

All women at high risk for developing preeclampsia were divided into two groups based on reported smoking status: previous smokers who quit by the positive pregnancy test, and non-smokers.

Treatment:

Other: This high-risk cohort underwent the same measurements during pregnancy: endothelial function, arterial stiffness, retinal microvasculature profile, measurement of Neprilysin, cotinine, telomere length

non smokers

Other group

Description:

All women at high risk for developing preeclampsia were divided into two groups based on reported smoking status: previous smokers who quit by the positive pregnancy test, and non-smokers.

Treatment:

Other: This high-risk cohort underwent the same measurements during pregnancy: endothelial function, arterial stiffness, retinal microvasculature profile, measurement of Neprilysin, cotinine, telomere length