Detecting blood vessel changes after preeclampsia with a non-invasive eye test.
Retinal Biomarkers as a Tool for Early Detection of Endothelial Dysfunction in Women With Preeclampsia
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Antwerp Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edegem, Antwerp) |
| Trial ID | NCT07084727 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Edegem, Antwerp
- Antwerp University Hospital — Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Studies cardiologie
- Email: studies.cardiologie@uza.be
- Phone: +32 3 821 40 74
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.