Impact of Pregnancy Weight Gain on Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Studies suggest that weight gain is a prominent risk factor for recurrence of papilledema in IIH. Given this information, the significant weight gain that occurs during pregnancy, and the fact that pharmacologic therapy is many times discontinued, raises concerns for worsening edema and vision loss. To examine the impact of pregnancy weight gain on IIH, we present preliminary results of a retrospective chart review of patients with IIH and pregnancy. Compared to previous studies we 1) quantified findings with OCT and HVF data, 2) Included baseline data prior to pregnancy, and 3) determined excess pregnancy weight gain using BMI adjusted weight gain goals.