Can Enoxaparin Improve Endothelial Function in Pregnant Women at High Risk for Preeclampsia?

Women with histories of severe preeclampsia are at high risk for preeclampsia in subsequent pregnancies and for cardiovascular disease later in life. To assess the effects of low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) on endothelial function in such women, Canadian investigators enrolled 45 women at 22 to 26 weeks' gestation who were at high or low risk for preeclampsia. After baseline assessment of several indices (e.g., blood pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output, peripheral resistance, uterine artery pulsatility, serum angiogenic proteins including placental growth factor), high-risk women were randomized to receive enoxaparin (30 mg intravenous bolus followed by 1 mg/kg subcutaneous injection) or placebo, then were reassessed 1 and 3 h…