Plasma Volume Changes in Pregnancy in Indian and European Primigravidas

Abstract

Summary Serial measurements of plasma volume were made in 60 normal healthy primigravidae, 30 of European and 30 of Indian origin, matched for age. Recordings were made at 16, 22, 28, 34 and 38 weeks gestation using the Evan's blue dye dilution technique with the women lying on their sides. A progressive increase in volume was demonstrated to a plateau between 34 and 38 weeks. The plasma volume of the European group was significantly higher at all stages. There was a significant difference in body size between the groups, and European infants had a higher mean birth weight. When plasma volume was expressed in terms of body weight, both groups gave identical results throughout pregnancy. It is unlikely that there is a constant physiological difference between the two groups that might account for differing obstetric performance.

Plasma Volume Expansion in Pregnancy: Implications for Biomarkers in Population Studies

“…8). In studies that have examined ethnic differences in PVE, populations that are on average shorter and weigh less exhibit less absolute change in plasma volume (9)(10)(11). This was well documented in a report comparing plasma volumes between Indians and Europeans (10).…”

“…In studies that have examined ethnic differences in PVE, populations that are on average shorter and weigh less exhibit less absolute change in plasma volume (9)(10)(11). This was well documented in a report comparing plasma volumes between Indians and Europeans (10). Furthermore, of studies examining PVE across different ethnicities, all show vast individual variation in PVE as well (9)(10)(11).…”

“…This was well documented in a report comparing plasma volumes between Indians and Europeans (10). Furthermore, of studies examining PVE across different ethnicities, all show vast individual variation in PVE as well (9)(10)(11). Much of the variation is unexplained, although it is known that PVE is positively associated with parity (12), multiple births (13)(14)(15), higher birth weight (16,17), and increased maternal prepregnancy BMI (8) and inversely associated with conditions of decreased fetal growth (e.g., intrauterine growth restriction) and compromised placental development (e.g., preeclampsia; refs.…”

Turnover rate of anti-D IgG injected during pregnancy.

“…The plasma volume was estimated to be 45 ml/kg body weight for non-pregnant women and 50 ml/kg for pregnant women. 6 The biological half life was calculated by the method of residuals, the usual technique for resolving a curve into its various exponential components.7 The recovery in vivo of the injected anti-D IgG was calculated using the formula 100 x plasma volume (ml/kg) x body weight x peak value of anti-D injected dose of anti-D IgG…”

Some New Aspects on Emesis gravidarum

“…18, 38, 39]. This increment accompanies the dilution process as the blood volume expands rapidly in early pregnancy [16][17][18]40]. Other possi bilities include a decreased conversion of creatine to creatinine in the muscles or a reduced plasma creatine synthesis.…”