Haemodynamics using transthoracic echocardiography in healthy pregnant and non-pregnant baboons (Papio hamadryas).

BACKGROUND

To determine systolic and diastolic function using transthoracic echocardiography in the baboon (Papio hamadryas).

METHODS

Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in eight non-pregnant female and six pregnant baboons according to American Society of Echocardiography recommendations.

RESULTS

Haemodynamic measurements were obtained from fourteen baboons. Compared to non-pregnant baboons, pregnant baboons demonstrated: (mean ± SD, pregnant vs. healthy) increased cardiac output (1615 ± 121 ml/minutes vs. 1317 ± 134 ml/minutes P = 0.001) due to an increased heart rate [120 ± 11 beats per minute (BPM) vs. 105 ± 6 BPM P = 0.018]. The inter-observer and intra-observer variability (mean difference ± SD) for the left ventricular outflow tract diameter was 0.05 ± 0.07 cm and 0.01 ± 0.03 cm respectively. There was minimal impact to the animal's daily activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Transthoracic echocardiography was applicable and reproducible for the assessment of haemodynamics in baboons thus enabling translation of animal results to human studies.