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Elevated blood pressure is associated with rarefaction of the retinal vasculature in children

Emil D Kurniawan1, Ning Cheung, Carol Y Cheung

  • 1Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Victoria, Australia.

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|December 30, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Higher blood pressure in children is linked to reduced retinal vascular fractal dimension (D(f)), indicating a less complex retinal microvasculature. This suggests early microvascular changes associated with elevated blood pressure in pediatric populations.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cardiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Retinal vascular fractal dimension (D(f)) quantifies retinal microvasculature complexity.
  • Previous studies link D(f) to diabetic retinopathy.
  • The relationship between blood pressure and retinal D(f) in children is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between blood pressure and retinal vascular fractal dimension (D(f)) in children.
  • To explore potential early microvascular changes related to hypertension in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Retinal D(f) was measured in 1174 children (aged 10-14) using digital fundus images and a computer program.
  • Blood pressure was determined from the average of three seated measurements.
  • Statistical analysis adjusted for age, sex, height, and retinal vessel caliber.

Main Results:

  • Retinal D(f) showed a normal distribution (mean 1.4619).
  • Smaller retinal D(f) correlated significantly with elevated mean arterial pressure (P=0.02) and diastolic blood pressure (P=0.02).
  • A possible correlation was observed with systolic blood pressure (P=0.06).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated blood pressure in children is associated with reduced retinal D(f), suggesting microvascular rarefaction.
  • Retinal fractal analysis may detect early vascular effects of hypertension in children.
  • This method could enhance understanding of ocular and systemic vascular complications of hypertension.
Abstract

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