The effect of pre-eclampsia on retinal microvascular caliber at delivery and post-partum

Background The retinal microcirculation provides a unique view of microvessel structure by means of non-invasive, retinal image analysis. The aim of the study was to compare the retinal vessel caliber at delivery and one-year post-partum between women who have had pre-eclampsia during pregnancy to a normotensive control group. Methods Digital photos of the eye were taken at delivery and one-year post-partum. Retinal vessels were analysed and summarised as the corrected central retinal arteriolar equivalent and corrected central retinal venular equivalent. Results The corrected central retinal arteriolar equivalent and corrected central retinal venular equivalent were significantly lower in the pre-eclamptic group compared to the control group both at delivery and one-year post-partum (p<0.001). Conclusion Retinal artery and venular caliber changes that occur during pregnancies affected by pre-eclampsia persist for up to one-year post-partum. These changes may reflect a permanent, long-term microvascular dysfunction and may be useful as a biomarker of future vascular risk.