Pregnancy Induced Hypertension and Retinopathy

Abstract

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of retinal changes in pregnancy induced hypertension and to find out its association with severity of hypertension and proteinuria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 94 pregnant females presented with pregnancy induced hypertension were included in this study. Patients with pre-existing hypertension, coexisting diabetes mellitus, severe anemia, connective tissue disorders were excluded from the study. Detailed fundus examination done and results were interpreted. OBSERVATION: Out of 94 patients with pregnancy induced hypertension, 41.5% belongs to 26-28 years of age.59.65 were primigravida. Headache was common complaint with 27.6% followed by blurred vision. Among the participants, 52.1% having systolic blood pressure of 150 to 159mmHg presented with fundus changes and 45.8% having diastolic pressure of more than 110mmHg presented fundus finding. In fundus finding, 51.0% presented with hypertensive retinopathy. Among hypertensive retinopathy, 43.8% cases were Grade I, 39.6% cases were Grade II, 12.5%cases were Grade III,4.1% cases were Grade IV.Grade I and Grade II found to be common. Our study shows statistically significant relationship with severity of hypertension and retinal changes (p<0.05) CONCLUSION: The study concluded that there is a positive correlation of fundus changes with severity of hypertension and grades of proteinuria. There is positive association with severity of hypertension, blood urea levels, serum uric acid level. So regular ophthalmic examination is mandatory in assessing the vascular changes in retina and helps in follow up the patients postpartum to prevent the complications. Keywords: Pregnancy induced hypertension, Hypertensive retinopathy, proteinuria..