Detecting blood vessel changes after preeclampsia with a non-invasive eye test.
Official title: Retinal Biomarkers as a Tool for Early Detection of Endothelial Dysfunction in Women With Preeclampsia
Run by University Hospital, Antwerp · NCT07084727 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test a new, non-invasive eye scan that looks at retinal blood vessels to find signs of blood vessel dysfunction in women who have had preeclampsia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Antwerp Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edegem, Antwerp) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 15, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 15, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | July 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07084727 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 18 or older who previously experienced preeclampsia and are willing to undergo non-invasive vascular and retinal assessments are the ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Women with exclusion conditions—such as open-angle glaucoma, epilepsy, (gestational) diabetes, multiple pregnancy, fetal malformations, hypercholesterolemia, kidney disease, autoimmune or connective tissue disorders—are ineligible and unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional protocol enrolls adult women with a history of preeclampsia and uses a set of non-invasive vascular tests to identify biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction. Participants undergo measurements of arterial stiffness, flow-mediated dilation of peripheral arteries, and dynamic retinal vessel analysis using an eye imaging device. The retinal test records vessel diameter responses to physiological stimuli while the other measures assess systemic arterial function. All procedures are performed at Antwerp University Hospital and results will be compared to reference measures to identify potential markers for follow-up care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a quick, non-invasive way to detect early blood vessel damage after preeclampsia so follow-up and treatment can be better targeted to reduce future heart and blood pressure problems.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies using flow-mediated dilation and arterial stiffness have demonstrated vascular changes after preeclampsia and retinal vessel imaging has shown promise, but dynamic retinal vessel analysis as a clinical biomarker remains relatively new.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
-
Antwerp University Hospital
Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Studies cardiologie
- Email: studies.cardiologie@uza.be
- Phone: +32 3 821 40 74
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.