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Published on: January 26, 2024
Altered retinal flicker response indicates microvascular dysfunction in women with preeclampsia
Andreas Brückmann1, Christin Seeliger2, Thomas Lehmann2
1From the Department of Obstetrics (A.B., C.S., E.S., D.S.), and Institute of Medical Statistics (T.L.), University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Germany; Department of Prenatal Diagnosis and Preventive Medicine, GesaTal Medical Center, Erfurt, Germany (A.B.); and Department of Obstetrics, Vivantes Hospital Berlin-Neukoelln, Germany (D.S.). andreas.brueckmann@drmb.de.
Retinal microvascular dysfunction, indicated by reduced arteriolar amplitude, is present in women with preeclampsia during pregnancy and postpartum. Flicker-induced dilatation remained unchanged, suggesting preserved autoregulation despite this dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Microvascular endothelial dysfunction is linked to cardiovascular risk and preeclampsia.
- Retinal flicker response is a potential indicator of microvascular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess retinal flicker response in women with preeclampsia during pregnancy and postpartum.
- To investigate microvascular endothelial function in preeclampsia using Dynamic Vessel Analyzer.
Main Methods:
- Retinal vessel measurements were taken using Dynamic Vessel Analyzer in women with preeclampsia, normal pregnancy, and nonpregnant controls.
- The study involved baseline acquisition followed by flicker and relaxation periods to assess arteriolar responses.
Main Results:
- Women with preeclampsia showed reduced arteriolar constriction and amplitude during pregnancy and postpartum.
- Flicker-induced dilatation remained unchanged across all groups and study periods.
- Diminished arteriolar amplitude in preeclampsia was primarily due to absent arteriolar constriction.
Conclusions:
- Preeclampsia is associated with retinal microvascular dysfunction, evidenced by reduced arteriolar amplitude.
- Preserved flicker-induced dilatation may indicate maintained autoregulatory capacity despite microvascular dysfunction.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind altered retinal flicker response in preeclampsia.
