International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Introduction: Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH), encompassing preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome, significantly contributes to maternal and perinatal morbidity. Retinal changes observed through fundoscopy provide a non-invasive window into systemic vascular health and may correlate with the severity of PIH. Despite their clinical significance, these evaluations are often underutilized in routine antenatal care.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and pattern of fundoscopic changes in patients with PIH and assess their association with disease severity and fetal outcomes.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (July-December 2024) at a tertiary hospital in North Karnataka. Eighty pregnant women aged 18-40 years diagnosed with PIH underwent detailed ophthalmologic assessments, including dilated fundoscopy. Retinal findings were graded using the Keith-Wagener-Barker classification. Data on blood pressure, gestational age, PIH category, and fetal outcomes were analyzed using Epi Info and MedCalc software.

Results: Of 80 participants, 55% had severe preeclampsia, and 28.75% had non-severe preeclampsia. Retinal changes were observed in 43.75%, with Grade 1 hypertensive retinopathy being most common. Serous retinal detachment and choroidal effusion were noted in HELLP syndrome cases. A statistically significant correlation (p<0.001) was observed between higher grades of retinopathy and both the severity of PIH and poor fetal outcomes, including all nine cases of intrauterine death (IUD). Cesarean delivery was more frequent (58.75%) among patients with abnormal fundoscopic findings.