To determine if the use of impedance cardiography can identify appropriate medications for use in treating morbidly obese patients to decrease the risk of preeclampsia.

Research Protocol

Use of Impedance Cardiography to decrease the risk of preeclampsia in obese patients

Background: Obesity is epidemic in the United States and this is leading to an increase in the number of pregnant patients with obesity. Obesity, especially morbid obesity (BMI >/= 40), increases the risk of developing preeclampsia when compared to the non-obese population. Impedance Cardiography has never been used to evaluate this patient population to see if they have abnormal cardiac output and/or abnormal peripheral resistance. If identified, low dose medical treatment can be done to normalize these patterns early on to see if this treatment modality decreases the development of preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications.

Specific Aims: The primary aim of this study is to determine if the use of Impedance Cardiography can help identify the appropriate medicine for use in treating morbidly obese patients that have abnormal testing results, to see if by normalizing impedance cardiography testing parameters results in a decrease in the incidence of preeclampsia in general and other pregnancy complications.

Enrollment: All pregnant patients, 18-51 years old, less than 20 weeks pregnant, with a BMI >/= 40 will undergo impedance cardiography and if the results are abnormal, will be provided informed consent to participate. If consent is given, and blood pressure is < 140/90,they will be eligible for enrollment.

Randomization: All patients who meet criteria will undergo impedance cardiography. Those with abnormal results will be randomized as the whether they will be treated or not. Randomization will require they blindly pull a paper labelled "yes" or "no" from a container. Those who select "yes" will be randomized to the treatment arm and will be prescribed antihypertensive medications commonly used in obstetrics for hypertension (labetalol, nifedipine, atenolol) Those who select "no" will not receive medication.

Study Procedure: All pregnant patients that meet study criteria and have abnormal Impedance Cardiography testing will be asked to participate, consented and randomized to the treatment or non treatment arm. The treatment group will receive antihypertensive medications as listed above and undergo monthly cardiography testing after beginning treatment with medication adjustments until normal test results are obtained. The non treatment group will undergo repeat cardiography testing 8 weeks after the first test to compare results. All enrolled patients will be followed with regular prenatal care for their prospective conditions and followed closely for the development of high or low blood pressure and preeclampsia.

Adverse events: Adverse events related to this study are minimal because the test is non invasive and complications for Impedance Cardiology are non existent. In addition, the drugs used to treat hypertension have been used in obstetrics for over 30 years with good results and minimal problems.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant patients 18-51 years old,
• Less than 20 weeks gestation with Morbid Obesity (BMI >/= 40)
• Not on antihypertensive medications

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with an allergy to antihypertensive medication or contraindication for their usage such as certain cardiac or neurologic disorder during pregnancy
• Patients who have a blood pressure 140/90 or greater