Cutaneous vessels reactivity and autonomic nervous system capacity in pregnant women with gestosis

Objective: To investigate the skin blood flow in women with gestosis depending on autonomic nervous system capacity. Normal pregnant volunteers (n=32) and women with gestosis (n=79) were studied. Peripheral microvascular responses were examined using the technique of ultrasound Doppler flowmetry. Frequency domain parameters were obtained by spectral heart rate variability analysis. The decreased endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and time of reactive hyperemia indicates abnormal endothelial function of women with gestosis. Patients with gestosis were characterized by a significantly reduced vagal control of the heart and lower autonomic reactivity in the LF (low frequency) band compared to healthy women. We found connection between the microvascular responses and LF power in the supine position. LF power correlated significantly with microvascular responses in both positions in women with gestosis.