Doppler parameters of ophthalmic artery in women with preeclampsia: A meta-analysis

Preeclampsia is a progressive and severe cardiovascular disorder in pregnant women. To determine the potential significance of ophthalmic Doppler parameters in preeclamptic women and to provide evidence-based hints for clinical practice and scientific investigation. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library till July 31, 2022. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random effects model. Heterogeneity across included studies was evaluated utilizing the Q test and I² statistic. We identified 8 observational studies that met the inclusion criteria. The pooled SMD for peak systolic velocities (PSV) was .12 (95% CI: -.82, 1.06, p = .8071; I²  = 94%, p < .0001). The overall SMD for time-averaged mean peak velocities (MV) was 1.79 (95% CI: .87, 2.71, p = .0001; I²  = 60%, p = .1152). Regarding the pulsatility index (PI), the pooled SMD was -2.05 (95% CI: -3.12, -.98, p = .0002; I²  = 92%, p < .0001). Overall SMD for end-diastolic velocities (EDV) was 1.11 (95% CI: .23, 1.98, p = .0136; I²  = 92%, p < .0001). The pooled SMDs for resistance index (RI) and peak ratio (PR) was -.18 (95% CI: -1.90, 1.53, p = .8333; I²  = 96%, p < .0001) and 1.46 (95% CI: -1.30, 4.22, p = .2994; I²  = 99%, p < .0001), respectively. Publication bias was not identified. MV, PI, and EDV showed significant differences between patients with preeclampsia and non-hypertensive pregnant participants. Studies on the predictive performance of ophthalmic artery Doppler parameters are warranted.