• H Stepan, R Faber, D Walther, and T Walther.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Leipzig, Germany. steh@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
• Obstet Gynecol. 1999 Feb 1; 93 (2): 199-202.

ObjectiveTo measure plasma levels of C-type natriuretic peptide in women with normal pregnancies and those complicated by gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.MethodsWe collected venous plasma samples from 20 women with normal pregnancies, 15 with gestational hypertension, and nine with preeclampsia. Gestational ages ranged from 26-39 weeks. We measured C-type natriuretic peptide concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Statistical comparisons were made by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey test.ResultsThe mean plasma concentration of C-type natriuretic peptide in the women with normal pregnancy was 7.1 +/-2.5 pg/mL, in those with gestational hypertension 9.6+/-4.2 pg/mL, and in those with preeclampsia 8.1+/-2.4 pg/mL. There were no statistically significant differences between groups. The statistical power to detect a difference of 3 pg/mL at the 5% significance level was 78% for the group with gestational hypertension and 64% for the preeclamptic group.ConclusionOur results suggest that C-type natriuretic peptide plasma levels are not significantly different in normal pregnancies and those complicated by gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. In hypertensive pregnancy disorders, C-type natriuretic peptide showed a distinct course compared with atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide.

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