Objectives To investigate vascular density analysis in the superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), peripapillary vascular density analysis (PPCVD), and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber thickness analysis (PPRNFL) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in pregnant women with preeclampsia and to compare the obtained values with healthy pregnant and nonpregnant healthy individuals. Methods A total of 98 pregnant women (55 had preeclampsia, 43 were healthy pregnant women) and 38 healthy nonpregnant women of reproductive age were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 consisted of pregnant women with preeclampsia, group 2 comprised healthy pregnant women without preeclampsia, and group 3 consisted of healthy women who were not pregnant. All participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination including OCTA. Results Superficial foveal density (SFD) and deep foveal density (DFD) were lower in group 1 than in group 3 (p = 0.033, p = 0.041, respectively). Deep parafoveal density (DPD), deep temporal density (DTD), and deep superior density (DSD) values were lower in group 1 than in group 2 and group 3 (p = 0.001). PPRNFL superior and mean values were higher in group 1 and group 2 than in group 3 (p = 0.022, p = 0.029, respectively). The mean superior and inferior RPCVD values were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 and group 3 (p = 0.001, p = 0.043, and p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusions In preeclampsia, OCTA shows changes in the microvascular structure of the retina, even without retinopathy findings on biomicroscopy examination.

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BACKGROUND:During pregnancy, the most common indication for non-obstetric surgery in acute abdomen is appendicitis. In pregnancy, appendicitis may be confused with pregnancy-related pathologies and may cause a delay in diagnosis or unnecessary surgery. The present study aims to evaluate the maternal and neonatal outcomes of patients undergoing appendectomy during pregnancy. METHODS:This study was designed retrospectively between 2011-2017. Appendicitis detection rates, admission and laboratory features, operation results and obstetric results were evaluated in pregnant women who underwent surgery for a preliminary diagnosis of acute appendicitis. RESULTS:The findings showed that 2593 patients underwent an appendectomy, 1154 of them were women and 50 of them were pregnant. Negative laparotomy was detected in 12 (16%) patients. Six (12%) of these 50 patients had a laparoscopic appendectomy and 44 (88%) had an appendectomy with laparotomy. The mean time to operation after admission to hospital was 10.5±11 hours. No maternal mortality was observed. Preterm labor occurred in four (8%) patients. Two patients (4%) were in the second trimester and two patients (4%) were in the third trimester. Two (4%) newborns born in the second trimester died postpartum. One of these newborns had multiple anomalies. Appendectomy was not characterized by an increased risk of perinatal mortality. CONCLUSION: Delay in the diagnosis and surgery of acute appendicitis during pregnancy may increase the risk of perinatal mortality and should not be delayed in diagnosis and surgery in pregnancy.

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