Role of Hematological Parameters in Predicting Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in Preterm Neonates

Objectives

To study the role of hematological parameters in predicting retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm neonates.

Method

Two hundred forty eight babies less than 34 wk and/or with a birth weight of less than 2,000 g were evaluated. Peripheral blood smear and complete blood count were done on day one of life. Ophthalmological examination was done as per guidelines and grades of ROP classified and followed up till 40 wk of gestation for complete vascularisation. Cases were matched with similar number of controls (n?=?67) and the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of different parameters were assessed.

Results

The incidence of ROP on screening was found to be 27 %. Sixty seven cases were matched with 67 controls as per birth weight and gestational age. Significant risk factors for ROP included longer duration of ventilation, higher FiO₂, culture proven sepsis and apnea requiring pharmacotherapy. The incidence of Stage I was 10.5 % (n?=?7), Stage II 58.2 % (n?=?39) and Stage III was 31.3 % (n?=?21). The absolute nucleated RBC (ANRBC) count was found to be the only parameter which was significantly higher in babies with ROP (p?<?0.001). The ANRBC was higher with increasing severity of ROP (p?=?0.003). The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of ANRBC with ROP was higher than other parameters.

Conclusions

Increase in ANRBC count correlated with intrauterine hypoxia. Hence, an increase in ANRBC count could be used as a screening tool for the early prediction of ROP in babies.     

Changing Spectrum of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) and Variations Among Siblings of Multiple Gestation

Objective  

To assess the changing spectrum of ROP, and to compare the siblings of multiple gestations with regard to incidence and severity of ROP.     

Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) occurs due to abnormal proliferation of retinal vessels. The most important risk factors which predispose to development of ROP include oxygen therapy, anemia needing blood transfusion, sepsis and apnea. Very low birth weight neonates, those born at ≤32 week of gestation and other preterm neonates with risk factors must be screened for ROP. As a general rule first screening should be done at 1 month of postnatal age. If screening detects ROP not needing treatment follow up should be planned according to location and stage of ROP. Better visual outcomes are observed with earlier treatment at lower threshold. Peripheral retinal ablation with diode laser under adequate analgesia and sedation is the preferred method for treatment of severe ROP. Guidelines regarding the procedure of dilatation, ophthalmic examination and treatment (if required) have been provided in the protocol. Close co-operation between the ophthalmologist and neonatologist is essential for successful management of ROP.     

影响早产儿视网膜病变的多因素分析

目的探讨早产儿视网膜病变(ROP)发病的相关因素。方法对东南大学医学院附属盐城医院NICU完成整个诊疗随访过程的早产儿308例行眼底检查,对各相关因素进行临床分析。结果对308例早产儿行单因素分析得出,出生体质量、胎龄、蓝光照射时间、黄疸程度、吸氧时间、低碳酸血症、低氧血症、颅内出血与ROP发病呈明显相关性(P<0.05)。Logistic回归分析结果显示低胎龄、酸中毒、低碳酸血症及感染是影响ROP发生的显著因素,治疗过程规范用氧后,ROP仅发生在1、2期病变。结论预防早产、防治早产儿各种并发症发生、规范用氧是预防ROP的关键。     

Serum Fructosamine and Retinopathy of Prematurity

Objective

To determine whether serum fructosamine which is a good marker for detecting hyperglycemia during the previous 2 to 3 wk in infants could predict the development of retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight infants.

Methods

One hundred sixty seven premature infants who had a birth weight of <1500 g and a gestational age of less than 32 wk were investigated in the present study. Blood glucose was measured at the bedside and infants were recorded as hyperglycemic if their mean blood glucose levels were higher than 150 mg/dL. Serum corrected fructosamine level was obtained from the cord blood at birth and after the first month of life. The infants’ eyes were examined by ophthalmologists to detect retinopathy of prematurity at the gestational age of 32 wk or at four wk after birth, whichever came first.

Results

Corrected fructosamine was 319.6?±?59.6 and 272.8?±?50.6 mmol/l for group1 on 1^st and 30^th day respectively; 320?±?61.7 and 268.2?±?47.3 mmol/l for groups 2?+?3 on 1^st and 30^th day respectively which did not differ between groups (p?=?0.766 and p?=?0.665), whereas duration of hyperglycemia was 1.69?±?1.1 day in group 1 compared with 3.05?±?2.4 day in groups 2?+?3 which was significantly different (p?=?0.019). The multivariate regression analysis indicated that the duration of hyperglycemia in days was significantly correlated with the development of retinopathy of prematurity (OR 3.26; 95% CI 1.09–9.80; p?=?0.035).

Conclusions

Although the duration of hyperglycemia may contribute to the development of retinopathy of prematurity, serum corrected fructosamine does not have a good predictive value in developing retinopathy of prematurity in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants.     

早产儿视网膜病危险因素分析(英文)

目的：早产儿视网膜病(ROP)是儿童视觉损害及致盲的重要原因之一。众多的研究表明低出生体重和低胎龄是ROP发病的主要危险因素。该文旨在探讨除出生体重和胎龄外,影响ROP发生的其他危险因素。方法：根据胎龄、出生体重进行配对,合并ROP的早产儿和未合并ROP的早产儿各32例进行对照研究,对20种可能的危险因素进行Logistic回归性分析。结果：氧疗时间(DOT)、最高动脉氧分压(MaxPaO2)、妊娠高血压(PIH)、生后3 d内最低pH值(MinpH)的比值比(OR)值分别为2.764、2.175、1.935、2.417(P<0.01)。建立的早产儿ROP危险因素主效应模型是Logit(P)=β0+1.265 DOT+1.034MaxPaO2+0.936 PIH-1.273 MinpH (χ2=25.634,P<0.01)。结论：氧疗时间长、高氧血症、妊娠高血压和酸中毒为ROP的高危因素。     

Distribution of Retinopathy of Prematurity and Its Risk Factors

Objective

This study was conducted to determine the distribution and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants referred to neonates intensive care unit (NICU) of central hospital of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, to obtain primary information on ROP in Kerman, Iran.

Methods

In a cross sectional prospective study, data of premature infants screened for ROP including possible risk factors and eye examination results were recorded during 2006-2008 and analyzed by using logistic regression and chi-square tests.

Findings

Out of 83 premature infants, 24 (29%) had different stages of ROP (CI 95%: 0.19-0.39). The infants’ mean gestational age (GA) and mean birth weight (BW) in ROP group were 30.17±1.8 weeks and 1247.92±237.1 grams (g), respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant relation between GA and BW with ROP (P<0.001). Indication for treatment was set in 6 (25%) infants.

Conclusion

The results of this study illustrate a relatively high prevalence of ROP in this series. GA and BW were independent ROP determinants.     

The Role of Hemoglobin Variant Replacement in Retinopathy of Prematurity

Objective  

To conduct tests of relationships between different factors that could influence the course of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and ROP, particularly the role of hemoglobin variant replacement in adult blood transfusions.     

早产儿视网膜病的影响因素

目的 探讨早产儿视网膜病(ROP)的影响因素.方法 选择本院患ROP早产儿为观察组,32周以下的早产儿为对照组,对2组患儿胎龄、出生体质量、出生方式、性别、多胎、使用呼吸机时间、休克、呼吸暂停、新生儿寒冷损伤综合征、肺透明膜病(Ⅲ级以上)、严重感染、肺出血及并发症合计数等临床资料进行单因素分析,并对有意义的因素进行多因素Logistic分析.结果 本资料共有早产儿358例,胎龄均小于32周.ROP 34例,其中Ⅰ期13例,Ⅱ期18例,Ⅲ期3例.二组患儿窒息、呼吸暂停、新生儿寒冷损伤综合征、肺透明膜病、严重感染、肺出血等并发症的发生率比较差异均有统计学意义(Pa<0.05),并发症合计数(OR=2.152,P=0.048)、使用呼吸机时间(OR=1.514,P=0.009)是危险因素.结论 早产儿ROP的发生率和发生并发症的多少及使用呼吸机的时间长短有关.在临床工作中要更多关注并发症的情况.     

血管内皮生长因子在早产儿视网膜病发病中的作用

血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)是内皮细胞特异性有丝分裂原,是促使血管发育和新生血管形成的最重要物质。VEGF在早产儿视网膜病的发病中起重要作用,并受多因素的调控和影响。氧浓度可进行多环节的调控,高氧抑制VEGF的表达,低氧促进VEGF的表达。胰岛素样生长因子-1的允许作用使VEGF能最大程度地诱导视网膜新生血管的生长。此外,雌激素、转化生长因子-β、血小板源性生长因子、胎盘生长因子和血管紧张素II等均对VEGF有一定的影响。随着对VEGF与早产儿视网膜病研究的不断深入,针对VEGF的一些内科治疗方法已开始动物实验研究,为早产儿视网膜病的早期干预提供了可能。     

Study protocol: safety and efficacy of propranolol in newborns with Retinopathy of Prematurity (PROP-ROP): ISRCTN18523491

Background

Existing evidence indicates that once mature neonates with severe cardio-respiratory failure become eligible for Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) their chances of intact survival are doubled if they actually receive ECMO. However, significant numbers survive with disability. NEST is a multi-centre randomised controlled trial designed to test whether, in neonates requiring ECMO, cooling to 34°C for the first 48 to 72 hours of their ECMO course leads to improved later health status. Infants allocated to the control group will receive ECMO at 37°C throughout their course, which is currently standard practice around the world. Health status of both groups will be assessed formally at 2 years corrected age.

Methods/Design

All infants recruited to the study will be cared for in one of the four United Kingdom (UK) ECMO centres. Babies who are thought to be eligible will be assessed by the treating clinician who will confirm eligibility, ensure that consent has been obtained and then randomise the baby using a web based system, based at the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU) Clinical Trials Unit. Trial registration. Babies allocated ECMO without cooling will receive ECMO at 37°C ± 0.2°C. Babies allocated ECMO with cooling will be managed at 34°C ± 0.2°C for up to 72 hours from the start of their ECMO run. The minimum duration of cooling will be 48 hours. Rewarming (to 37°C) will occur at a rate of no more than 0.5°C per hour. All other aspects of ECMO management will be identical. Primary outcome: Cognitive score from the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3^rd edition (Bayley-III) at age of 2 years (24 - 27 months).

Discussion

For the primary analysis, children will be analysed in the groups to which they are assigned, comparing the outcome of all babies allocated to "ECMO with cooling" with all those allocated to "ECMO" alone, regardless of deviation from the protocol or treatment received. For the primary outcome the analysis will compare the mean scores for each group of surviving babies. The rationale for this choice of primary analysis is to give a fair representation of the average ability of assessable children, accepting the limitation that excluding deaths might impose. The consistency of the effect of cooling on the group of babies recruited to the trial will be explored to see whether cooling is of particular help, or not, to specific subgroups of infants, using the statistical test of interaction. Therefore pre-specified subgroup analyses include: (i) whether the ECMO is veno-arterial or veno-venous; (ii) whether the child's oxygenation index at the time of recruitment is <60 or ≥ 60; (iii) initial aEEG pattern shown on the cerebral function monitor, and (iv) primary diagnostic group.

Trial Registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN72635512.