Platelet angiotensin II binding may be a useful prognostic indicator for the development of pre-eclampsia in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension: preliminary communication

This was a preliminary investigation to assess the value of platelet angiotensin II binding as a prognostic indicator for subsequent pre-eclampsia in women admitted with non-proteinuric pregnancy-induced hypertension. Platelet angiotensin II binding was measured in 26 women at the onset of their symptoms. All were primparous, had singleton pregnancies, were normotensive at booking and had an unremarkable medical history. The blood pressure of seven women resolved and returned to normal; 11 women remained stable throughout the remainder of their pregnancy, their blood pressure remained elevated but they did not develop significant proteinuria. Eight women developed pre-eclampsia. Platelet angiotensin II binding in the pre-eclamptic group was significantly higher compared to those who remained stable (P = 0.042) or those whose condition improved (P = 0.021). We conclude that angiotensin II binding measured at the time of admission to hospital for non-proteinuric pregnancy-induced hypertension may have a role in predicting the onset of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.