Duplex Ultrasound Study of The Ophthalmic Artery for Prediction of Preeclampsia in High-Risk Pregnancy

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) complicates over 10% of pregnancies and causes approximately 50,000 maternal deaths annually worldwide. Early prediction remains essential for improving outcomes. This study aimed to assess whether changes in ocular artery Doppler (OAD) indices can predict the development and severity of PE. Subjects and Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted on 120 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Benha University-affiliated hospitals. Participants were divided into three groups: normotensive (n=96), moderate PE (n=16), and severe PE (n=8). OAD parameters—including peak systolic velocity (P1), second systolic peak (P2), peak ratio (P2/P1), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI)—were measured and correlated with PE severity and clinical findings. Results:There was a significant positive correlation between PE severity and OAD variables such as P1, P2, P2/P1 ratio, and EDV (P<0.05). Similarly, systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 20 weeks, urine dipstick proteinuria, and clinical sequelae were positively associated with PE (P<0.05). In contrast, PI, RI, and gestational age at delivery were inversely correlated with PE severity (P<0.05). Maternal age, parity, BMI, gestational age during the scan, and delivery method showed no significant association. Conclusion:OAD is a valuable, non-invasive, and objective tool for predicting the onset and progression of PE. Its predictive ability is likely linked to maternal haemodynamic changes rather than placental factors. OAD may be incorporated into prenatal screening to enhance early risk identification and clinical management of PE.