Overview
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased maternal and fetal morbidity. Endothelial extracellular vesicles (EEVs) have emerged as promising biomarkers of endothelial activation; however, their relationship with blood pressure and endothelial function during pregnancy remains incompletely understood. This observational case-control study aims to compare circulating EEV concentrations between normotensive pregnant women and pregnant women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study will also investigate the associations between EEV levels, blood pressure, microvascular endothelial function assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry, and circulating biomarkers of endothelial activation. The findings may improve understanding of endothelial injury during pregnancy and support the development of non-invasive biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant women aged ≥18 years.
- Singleton pregnancy.
- Ability to provide written informed consent.
- Normotensive pregnancy or diagnosis of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia according to current clinical guidelines.
- Ability to comply with study procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Chronic hypertension diagnosed before pregnancy.
- Multiple pregnancy.
- Pre-existing diabetes mellitus.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Autoimmune disease.
- Known cardiovascular disease.
- Active infection or inflammatory disease.
- Malignancy.
- Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent.
