RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07084727

Identifying Biomarkers for Endothelial Dysfunction in Women With Preeclampsia

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

Sponsor

University Hospital, Antwerp

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Jul 1, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Endothelial Function (FMD)Preeclampsia Retinal Vessels

Summary

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.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 40 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is investigating what blood markers can reveal about blood vessel dysfunction in women who experienced preeclampsia — a serious pregnancy complication involving dangerously high blood pressure. Understanding these markers could help predict and prevent future heart problems in these women. **You may be eligible if...** - You are at least 18 years old - You had preeclampsia during a recent pregnancy - You are willing to undergo non-invasive blood vessel assessments **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have open-angle glaucoma or epilepsy - You have diabetes (including gestational diabetes) - You were pregnant with multiple babies (twins, triplets, etc.) - You have kidney disease, high cholesterol, autoimmune disorders, or connective tissue diseases - Your baby had known birth defects or abnormalities Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHERArterial stiffness

Non-invasive test. A blood pressure cuff and tonometer (a type of pen placed on the neck) are used to measure the speed at which a pressure wave propagates from one place to another. Every time the heart contracts, a pressure wave is generated that propagates from the heart to the blood vessels at a certain speed. The stiffer the blood vessels, the faster the wave propagates.

OTHERFlow-meditad dilatation

This study measures the capacity with which blood vessels expand when we briefly cut off blood flow. The endothelium, the inner layer of blood vessels, regulates this expansion. By ultrasound, we measure the difference in diameter of the elbow artery. To cut off the blood flow, we clamp the forearm with a blood pressure cuff for 5 minutes. When the blood pressure cuff is released, it triggers increased blood flow in the arm, causing the blood vessels to expand. We record this expansion using the above techniques.

OTHERDynamic retinal vessel analyzer

Eye imaging measures the capacity with which your blood vessels in the retina can expand in response to a flicker light stimulation.