Endothelial function progressively deteriorates during normal pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate changes in endothelial function throughout the gestational period in normal pregnancy and its relationship with plasma soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) levels. METHODS: Endothelial function was evaluated by reactive hyperemia index (RHI) using Endo-PAT2000 and plasma sFlt-1 levels were measured simultaneously by ELISA. RESULTS: RHI gradually deteriorated with increasing gestational age. Plasma sFlt-1 levels exhibited a gradual increase at late pregnancy and were inversely correlated with RHI. CONCLUSION: Maternal endothelial function gradually deteriorates with increasing gestational age and there is an inverse correlation between endothelial function and plasma sFlt-1 levels in normal pregnancy.