What the study found
The study found signs of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in pregnant women with autoimmune diseases. Apical constructive work was consistently reduced in this group.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that myocardial work, especially apical constructive work, provides incremental value over global longitudinal strain, a standard measure of how the heart muscle shortens, in autoimmune pregnancies.
What the researchers tested
The researchers evaluated left ventricular myocardial work using left ventricular pressure-strain loops, which combine heart pressure and strain measurements. They studied 96 participants: pregnant women with autoimmune diseases, non-pregnant patients with autoimmune diseases, and healthy pregnant women, using echocardiography, two-dimensional speckle-tracking, and myocardial work analysis.
What worked and what didn't
After adjustment, the pregnant autoimmune group had increased left ventricular volume and lower apical constructive work than the non-pregnant autoimmune group, while global myocardial work indices were similar. Compared with healthy pregnant women, they had lower E/A, increased left ventricular volumes, higher E/e', and higher peak strain dispersion; after adjustment, they also had lower global work index, global constructive work, global work efficiency, and apical constructive work, with peak strain dispersion still higher.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe longer-term outcomes or clinical follow-up. The study was conducted at one hospital and included 96 participants, so the available summary does not show how broadly the findings apply.
Key points
- Pregnant women with autoimmune diseases showed subclinical left ventricular dysfunction.
- Apical constructive work was consistently lower in the pregnant autoimmune group.
- Compared with healthy pregnant women, the group had worse several myocardial work and echocardiographic measures.
- Global myocardial work indices were similar between pregnant and non-pregnant autoimmune patients before adjustment.
- The authors say myocardial work may add value beyond global longitudinal strain.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Pregnant women with autoimmune disease showed altered left ventricular myocardial work
- Authors:
- Lu Zhang, Yilu Shi, Yaxi Wang, Xiaoshan Zhang, Shasha Duan
- Institutions:
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-06
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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