Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase the risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration in later life

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and short-term adverse outcomes have long been recognized; however, survivors remain at risk of long-term complications. We investigated whether HDP is associated with the development of choroidal neovascular age-related macular degeneration (CNV AMD). Methods: We identified 31,454 women who experienced HDP based on Utah birth certificates and 62,908 unexposed women matched 2:1 to the exposed. Risk of CNV AMD was estimated using Cox models. Findings: Women with HDP exhibited an 80% higher risk for early CNV AMD (age < 70 y; 95%CI 1.23–2.58). Conclusion: Our findings may have implications forearlier CNV AMD screening and detection.

Keywords

• gestational hypertension
• preeclampsia
• age-related macular degeneration
• choroidal neovascularization
• population health