Am J Perinatol 1996; 13(1): 11-13
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994194
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1996 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate on Maternal Cardiac Function in Term Pregnancy

Toshiyuki Hata, Kanji Ryukoh, Ritsuto Fujiwaki, Kohkichi Hata, Manabu Kitao, Sumio Masumura
  • Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Physiology, Shimane Medical University, Izumo, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

To search for possible effect of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS) on maternal cardiac function in term pregnancy, impedance cardiographic assessments were made on 15 normal full-term pregnant women before and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 301 minutes after the administration of a 200 mg intravenous dose of DHAS in 20 mL of 5% dextrose. The cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure were recorded. Maternal cardiac output increased from baseline by 20% (p < 0.05) after 15 minutes and the mean increase in stroke volume was 25% (p < 0.05) after 15 minutes. No change was found in heart rate or mean arterial blood pressure. DHAS induces a significant increase in both maternal stroke volume and cardiac output without change in heart rate or mean arterial pressure, which suggests a possible increase in cardiac contractility in term pregnancy.