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 ± 121ml/minutes vs. 1317 ± 134ml/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 ± 0.07cm and 0.01 ± 0.03cm 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.