Mature and progenitor endothelial cells in Preeclampsia

Objective: To compare the quantities of mature and progenitor endothelial cells in preeclamptic patients with those in normotensive pregnant women. Materials and methods: Patients attending the Obstetrics Emergency Service at the Dr. Urquinaona Central Hospital in Maracaibo, Venezuela, were selected. There were two groups: group A (n=35) consisting of preeclamptic women and group B (n=35) consisting of normotensive pregnant women. This latter group was considered as a control group and the patients were studied consecutively. In all patients, blood samples were collected before labor and in the study group immediately after diagnosis to determine quantities of mature and progenitor endothelial cells. Results: Age and weight were similar in the two groups (p=ns). Statistically significant differences were observed in gestational age at sample collection, systolic and diastolic pressure, newborn weight and the presence of proteinuria (p<0.05). Significant differences were also found between preeclamptic patients and controls in the quantities of progenitor endothelial cells (p<0.05) and mature endothelial cells (p<0.05). Conclusions: Preeclamptic patients showed a significant reduction in the quantities of mature and progenitor endothelial cells compared with normotensive pregnant women. © 2009 Elsevier España, S.L.