The neonatal fundus in maternal toxemia.

Toxemic changes in the maternal fundus and their relationship to fetal prognosis have been studied. A study of the neonatal fundus in maternal toxemia revealed a 76.67% incidence of vascular changes similar to those seen in the maternal fundus. Arteriolar spasm, focal or generalized, was present in 23 of the 30 neonates seen. A pallor of the disc was present in six cases. Four infants, 13.33%, had either extensive dot and blot retinal hemorrhages with soft exudates, or a serous retinal detachment. The last four neonates died within the first postnatal week. This work highlights the fact that retinal vascular decompensation mirrors similar changes in the cardiopulmonary or cerebral circulation and should be considered as a determinant of the fetal prognosis in maternal toxemia.