Establishing an association between pregnancy-induced hypertension changes in the fundus and fetal outcomes

Abstract

Background: Involvement of the ocular system in pregnancy is a common finding in females having PIH (pregnancy-induced hypertension). Aim: To judge the association between pregnancy-induced hypertension changes in the fundus and fetal outcomes. Methods: In 306 pregnant females with a confirmed diagnosis of pregnancy-induced hypertension, fundus changes were assessed along with fetal outcomes. The fetal outcomes included neonatal death, stillbirth, 1-minute Apgar scores, birth weight, and gestational age. Collected data were subjected to an ANOVA test and SPSS software to assess any association. Results: Among 306 subjects, 42 subjects had fundus changes and 264 subjects had no fundus changes. Mean systolic blood pressure (BP) was 182.88±33.62 in subjects with fundus changes and 150.74±12.84 mmHg in subjects without any fundus changes which was significantly higher in fundus changes. Diastolic pressure was also significantly higher, 125.26±21.34 mmHg in subjects with fundus changes compared to 100.09±9.49 mmHg in subjects without fundus changes. Fetal outcomes were comparable in subjects with or without fundus changes. A significant association was seen between optic nerve head and retinal changes with low birth weight (p<0.05). Conclusion: Low birth weight has an association with changes in the optic nerve head and retina.