Doppler flowmetry of ophthalmic arteries for prediction of pre-eclampsia

• Published in: Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira (1992) 2014-11, Vol.60 (6), p.538-541
• Main Authors: Aquino, Larissa Oliveira de, Leite, Henrique Vítor, Cabral, Antônio Carlos Vieira, Brandão, Augusto Henriques F.
• Format: Magazinearticle
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0104-4230; 0104-4230
• DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.60.06.011

Background: central nervous system (CNS) hyperperfusion is one of the events that constitute the pathophysiological basis for the clinical manifestations and complications of pre-eclampsia (PE). Detecting the increased flow in the CNS through Doppler flowmetry of the ophthalmic artery might precede the clinical onset of PE and could be used as a marker for subsequent development of PE. Objective: to evaluate the ophthalmic artery resistive index (OARI) values in the second trimester of pregnancy for prediction of the clinical manifestations of PE. Objective: to evaluate the ophthalmic artery resistive index (OARI) values in the second trimester of pregnancy for prediction of the clinical manifestations of PE. Methods: a total of 73 patients with risk factors for the development of PE were selected from the prenatal service at the HC-UFMG. They were submitted to ophthalmic artery Doppler flowmetry between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy and monitored until the end of the pregnancy to verify the occurrence of PE. ROC curves were created to determine the predictive characteristics of the OARI. Results: fourteen of the patients selected developed PE and 59 remained normotensive until the postpartum period. Patients with subsequent development of PE presented OARI values lower than patients that remained normotensive (0.682±0.028 X 0.700±0.029, p=0.044). Considering the development of PE as an outcome, the area under the OARI curve was 0.694 (CI 0.543 to 0.845), with no points obtaining good values of sensitivity or specificity. Conclusion: Doppler flowmetry of ophthalmic arteries between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy did not present itself as a good exam for predicting PE. Introdução: a hiperperfusão do sistema nervoso central (SNC) é um dos eventos que constitui substrato fisiopatológico para as manifestações clínicas e complicações da pré-eclâmpsia (PE). O fluxo aumentado no SNC, detectado por meio da dopplerfluxometria de artérias oftálmicas, poderia anteceder as manifestações clínicas da PE e, consequentemente, ser utilizado como marcador de subsequente desenvolvimento de PE. Objectivo: avaliar os valores do índice de resistência das artérias oftálmicas (Irao) no segundo trimestre gestacional para a predição das manifestações clínicas da PE. Métodos: pacientes com fatores de risco para desenvolvimento de PE foram selecionadas no serviço de pré-natal do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (HC-UFMG). Elas foram submetidas à dopplerfluxo