Premium
Protection of the photoreceptors in ROP (retinopathy of prematurity)
Author(s) -
FULTON AB,
HANSEN RM,
AKULA JD,
MOSKOWITZ A,
HARRIS M
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2008.4257.x
Subject(s) - retinopathy of prematurity , erg , retinal , medicine , psychological intervention , retina , electroretinography , ophthalmology , physiology , pediatrics , neuroscience , biology , gestational age , genetics , pregnancy , psychiatry
Purpose Interventions with putative protective effects on the immature photoreceptors are part of the clinical care of preterm infants. In rat models of ROP, the early status of the photoreceptors predicts ROP outcome, and modification of the energy demands of the developing photoreceptors affects ROP outcome. In prematurely born subjects with thoroughly documented newborn care, we studied the relation of photoreceptor status and ROP outcome. Methods Retinal function and vasculature were characterized at pre‐ and post‐term ages. Parameters of phototransduction and of post‐receptor activity were derived from ERG a‐ and b‐waves. The integrated curvature of the arterioles was used to quantify the retinal vasculature. The main newborn interventions, including oxygen limits, were categorized. Results In infancy, the small ERG responses reflected immaturity of the photoreceptors and differed significantly between those who developed ROP and those who did not. The higher the integrated curvature the more severe the ROP. The magnitude of the ERG abnormalities varied significantly with the severity of ROP and integrated curvature. The putatively protective clinical interventions were significantly associated with better photoreceptor function and better ROP outcome. Conclusion Protecting the immature photoreceptors appears to improve ROP outcome. Future interventions that target the photoreceptors may prevent ROP.