RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Endothelial cell activation in pre-eclampsia is associated with elevated soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) levels. The objective of the study was to determine whether sVCAM-1 levels in Indonesian women with pre-eclampsia were similar to other ethnic studies and to determine the effects of magnesium sulfate with nifedipine on blood pressure. METHODS: A total of 61 pregnant women were admitted, who had normal pregnancy (n = 25) and severe pre-eclampsia (n = 36). Blood sampling was performed at admission to the study, 1 h after placental separation, and 24 h postpartum. sVCAM-1 and blood pressure levels were determined. RESULTS: The mean ages in normal pregnancy (n = 25) and in severe pre-eclampsia (n = 36) are 30.0 ± 3.4 years and 27.1 ± 6.1 years, respectively. Significantly elevated sVCAM-1 was seen in pre-eclampsia. No significant variation in sVCAM-1 levels during the study periods was seen in both groups of cohorts. Magnesium sulfate infusion and nifedipine significantly lowered the blood pressure level. CONCLUSION: Elevated sVCAM-1 levels were also seen in Indonesian women with severe pre-eclampsia. The placenta may not be the only source of elevated sVCAM-1 and that endothelial dysfunction persists beyond the postpartum period. Magnesium sulfate together with nifedipine significantly lowered blood pressure. The determination of elevated sVCAM-1 in pregnancy as a risk marker for endothelial dysfunction is therefore suggested.
