Maternal hemodynamic changes associated with furosemide treatment

Abstract

Objective: To assess the pharmacodynamic effects of furosemide in pregnancy.

Methods: Twenty-one pregnant women who received furosemide 20 mg daily had cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) measured by Doppler technique before and after treatment.

Results: Furosemide was initiated at 22.4 +/- 6.0 weeks gestation. CO and SV decreased (mean +/- SD: 1.2 +/- 0.2 L/min and 17+/-3 mL, respectively), whereas TPR increased (101+/-26 dyne.sec.cm(-5); p < 0.001 for all) after 2.9+/-1.4 weeks. Hemodynamics did not approach the expected mean for pregnancy.

Conclusions: While furosemide improved the hyperdynamic circulation in pregnancy, it did not lower blood pressure or cause clinically significant vasoconstriction.