Objective: To describe maternal plasma levels of adrenomedullin (AM), a hypotensive and natriuretic peptide, in normal and preeclamptic women at term.
Study design: Maternal plasma AM levels were determined in 13 preeclamptic and 15 normotensive primigravidas by radioimmunoassay. Plasma samples were obtained with the patients in the lateral recumbent position before the administration of any medications.
Results: Women with preeclampsia had significantly elevated AM levels when compared with normotensive controls (42.3 +/- 10.5 pg/mL versus 16.9 +/- 3.1 pg/mL, P < .011).
Conclusion: In this pilot study, AM levels were significantly increased at term in preeclamptic women.