Pathophysiological Aspects of the Development of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia

Objective: to estimate the incidence of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and to define the main biochemical parameters characterizing the severity of preeclampsia in pregnant women. Subjects and methods. The study was conducted in 117 pregnant women aged 18 to 42 years with varying preeclampsia at 36—38 weeks of gestation. Results. According to the severity of preeclampsia in pregnant women, there was an increase in the rate of free radical oxidation that caused direct damage to the vascular endothelium, by inhibiting the total antioxidant activity of plasma, which largely depended on the state of the nitroxidergic system. There was an inverse correlation between nitrite levels and hemodynamic parameters and a functional relationship between systemic hemodynamic disorders and nitrite levels in pregnant women with preeclampsia. There was a reduction in the count of platelets and a significant increase in platelet aggregation in stages III and IV ARDS. Conclusion. Varying interstitial lung edemas develop in relation to the severity of preeclampsia. The maximum impairment of lipid peroxidation processes and lower nitrate levels were noted in severe preeclampsia. There was a progressive platelet count fall in Stages III and IV ARDS. In the authors' opinion, the magnitude of involvement of platelets in aggregates and free radical damage to the pulmonary vascular endothelium play a significant role in the development of ARDS in pregnant women with preeclampsia. However, impairments in the thrombocytic link are likely to be regarded as a direct cause of lung dysfunction. Key words: preeclampsia, respiratory distress syndrome, nitrites, lipid peroxidation.