Optic Nerve Ultrasound for Fluid Status Assessment in Patients with Severe Preeclampsia

BACKGROUND: There are no data on usefulness of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) as a marker of patient’s fluid status in preeclampsia. The objective was to examine potential correlation between ONSD and lung ultrasound estimates of extravascular lung water in severe preeclampsia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with severe preeclampsia were included. Optic and lung ultrasound were performed within 24 hours from delivery. ONSD was measured 3 mm behind the globe. Lung ultrasound Echo Comet Score (ECS) was obtained summing B-lines (“comet tails”) in parasternal intercostal spaces bilaterally. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between ONSD and ECS (p < 0.05 significant). RESULTS: Median ONSD was 5.7 mm (range 3.8–7.5 mm). Median ECS value was 19 (range 0-24). Statistically significant correlation was found between ONSD and ECS (r(2) = 0.464; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Significant correlation between ONSD and ECS suggests optic ultrasound could be used for assessing fluid status and guiding peripartum fluid therapy in patients with severe preeclampsia.