The Role of Ophthalmic Artery Doppler in Predicting Preeclampsia: A Review of the Literature

TL;DR

This review explores how ophthalmic artery Doppler can help predict preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication, by assessing vascular resistance early on.

Contribution

The paper introduces ophthalmic artery Doppler as a potential new tool for early preeclampsia risk assessment.

Findings

Ophthalmic artery Doppler is non-invasive and provides insights into intracranial vascular resistance.

It shows potential for early detection of high-risk pregnancies, especially for preterm preeclampsia.

Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in routine prenatal care.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Preeclampsia (PE) complicates 2–8% of pregnancies globally, with a higher incidence in developing countries. This condition poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health, contributing substantially to maternal and perinatal mortality, particularly in cases of early-onset PE, which is associated with severe complications. This review aims to synthesize current evidence regarding the predictive utility of ophthalmic artery Doppler for preeclampsia. Current strategies focus on early prediction and prevention to mitigate adverse outcomes and reduce the economic burden of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) recommends first-trimester screening combining maternal risk factors, mean arterial pressure, serum placental growth factor (PlGF), and uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI). High-risk women are advised to take low-dose aspirin (150 mg daily) until 36 weeks of gestation. Materials and Methods: This review explores an innovative predictive tool for PE: ophthalmic artery (OA) Doppler. Results: As a non-invasive and easily accessible method, OA Doppler provides valuable insights into intracranial vascular resistance, offering potential advantages in early risk assessment, particularly for preterm PE, the most severe form of the disease. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that OA Doppler may serve as a promising adjunct in PE screening, enhancing the early identification of high-risk pregnancies and improving clinical outcomes. Further research is warranted to validate its role in routine prenatal care.

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