Identifying Biomarkers for Endothelial Dysfunction in Women With Preeclampsia

Retinal Biomarkers as a Tool for Early Detection of Endothelial Dysfunction in Women With Preeclampsia

Every pregnancy has a major impact on a woman's heart and blood vessels due to changes required by the body to maintain proper blood flow between mother and foetus. When the placenta does not work properly, preeclampsia can occur. An important first symptom is high blood pressure. Women who have experienced preeclampsia are at higher risk of developing blood pressure and heart problems later on. Therefore, it is very important to detect changes in the blood vessel system so that they can be treated promptly and correctly. We aim to do this by using a new, non-invasive eye test that examines the blood vessels of the retina.

Inclusion Criteria:

• at least 18 years old
• willing to undergo vascular assessments
• informed consent signed

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unwilling to provide informed consent
• Open-angle glaucoma
• Epilepsia
• (gestational) Diabetes
• Multiple pregnancies
• Fetal malformations
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Kidney disease
• Auto-immune disorders
• Connective tissue diseases