Exhaled breath volatile alterations in pregnancy assessed with electronic nose

Abstract

Context: Pregnancy-linked accelerated metabolism and oxidative stress may alter the exhaled volatile compound pattern ("breathprint"). Electronic noses can distinguish "breathprints" associated with different disorders. Objective: This is the first study assessing alterations in "breathprint" during gestation. Material and methods: 130 women participated in our study (78 pregnant vs. 52 non-pregnant). Breath samples were processed by an electronic nose and analyzed using principal component analysis. Results: Significant differences were found in exhaled breath pattern between pregnant and non-pregnant women (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Pregnancy-induced changes in exhaled gases need to be considered when pregnant women with respiratory disorders carry out breath tests.