Plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels in eclampsia. A preliminary study.

Plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels were measured in 18 women with eclampsia and 20 normotensive pregnant women matched for age and parity. While plasma noradrenaline concentrations were not statistically different in the two groups, plasma adrenaline values were higher in patients with eclampsia. The increases in adrenaline levels, although significantly elevated, were thought to be more related to stresses, such as muscular activity associated with convulsions. This study suggests that the aetiology of hypertension in pregnancy is not related to sympathetic overactivity.