Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate on maternal cardiac function in term pregnancy.

To search for possible effect of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS) on maternal cardiac function in term pregnancy, impedance cardiographic assessments were made on 15 normal full-term pregnant women before and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after the administration of a 200 mg intravenous dose of DHAS in 20 mL of 5% dextrose. The cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure were recorded. Maternal cardiac output increased from baseline by 20% (p < 0.05) after 15 minutes and the mean increase in stroke volume was 25% (p < 0.05) after 15 minutes. No change was found in heart rate or mean arterial blood pressure. DHAS induces a significant increase in both maternal stroke volume and cardiac output without change in heart rate or mean arterial pressure, which suggests a possible increase in cardiac contractility in term pregnancy.