9α,11β-prostaglandin F2 in pregnancies at high risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and the effect of acetylsalicylic acid

Abstract

Our purpose was to determine urinary 9α,11β-prostaglandin F₂, the primary metabolite of prostaglandin D₂, in pregnancies at high risk for hypertensive disorders and the effect of acetylsalicylic acid on 9α,11β-prostaglandin F₂.

Ninety high risk women were randomised to acetylsalicylic acid and placebo groups at 12–14 weeks of gestation, with 43 women in both groups followed up succesfully. 9α,11β-prostaglandin F₂ was determined at baseline, at 24–26, and at 32–34 weeks of gestation. Fifteen normotensive non-pregnant women, 17 normotensive pregnant women at 12–14, and 15 at 30–34 weeks of gestation served as controls.

Urinary 9α,11β-prostaglandin F₂ was significantly higher in pregnant women at 12–14 weeks of gestation as compared to non-pregnant women. High risk pregnancies had higher 9α,11β-prostaglandin F₂ as compared to normotensive pregnancies at 12–14, and at 30–34 weeks of gestation. Urinary 9α,11β-prostaglandin F₂ increased throughout pregnancy unrelated to the outcome of the pregnancy or to the treatment.