[Prognostic value of changes in the fundus oculi in EPH gestosis]

We examined the ocular fundus in 100 unselected pregnant women with EPH-gestosis of different severity. In 52 women there were no retinal changes, in 32 women we saw I hypertensive changes according to the classification of Keith-Wagener, in 10 cases II, and in 6 cases III or IV retinal changes. There was no direct relationship between the severity of EPH-gestosis and I and II retinal changes; however, severe retinal changes (III IV) were associated with moderate or severe EPH-gestosis. We found a significant relationship between the degree of hypertensive retinal changes and fetal mortality. In the group of gravidae with severe retinal changes 4 out of 6 infants died. The examination of the ocular fundus permits the direct evaluation of fundal changes and the early recognition of fetal jeopardy.