Ophthalmic Artery Doppler Indices Changes in Preeclampsia

Abstract

Background & Objective: Preeclampsia (PE) is a major complication of pregnancy worldwide. Doppler ultrasound of maternal arteries, including uterine and ophthalmic arteries (OA), plays an important role in determining individuals progressing PE. The aim of this study is to compare OA indices in pregnant women with a diagnosis of PE and women without it. Materials & Methods: This study evaluated pregnant women who had delivery in Shariati Hospitals, Tehran, Iran between January 2021 and March 2022. The maternal OA Doppler waves were obtained in preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic women at 35 to 37 weeks of gestation by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. OA Doppler parameters including first and second PSV, second to first PSV ratio (Peak ratio, PR) and PI were obtained for each eye and also average between the eyes. Results: Out of 148 included participants, 48 cases progressed to PE at 35 to 37 weeks of gestation and 100 cases did not have PE at the same gestational age. All OA parameters including (First and second peak systolic velocities (PSV), second to first PSV Ratio (PR) and Pulsatility Index (PI) in each eye; as well as, the average of these indices in both eyes) were assessed. PR and PI between the two eyes were statistically different in those with PE. Conclusion: OA Doppler indices change in pregnant women with PE. These changes could help to earlier and better diagnosis of PE and prevention of maternal and fetal sequelae.