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Relationship between serum inositol concentration and development of retinopathy of prematurity: a prospective study
C A Friedman1, J McVey, M J Borne
1Division of Newborn Medicine, Methodist Medical Center, Jackson, Miss, USA.
Insights
Higher inositol intake and serum levels in premature infants significantly reduced the incidence of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Supplementation may prevent severe ROP.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Inositol, a sugar alcohol, plays a role in cellular metabolism and signaling.
- Low birthweight infants with severe lung disease are at high risk for ROP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between inositol intake, serum inositol levels, and ROP development.
- To determine the impact of varying inositol concentrations in infant formula on ROP incidence.
Main Methods:
- A study involving low birthweight infants (<1500 g) with severe lung disease.
- Infant formulas with three distinct inositol concentrations (2500, 710, 242 micromol/L) were administered.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to assess ROP risk factors, including serum inositol levels.
Main Results:
- Infants receiving high inositol formula had significantly lower severe ROP incidence.
- Higher serum inositol concentrations at birth and 30 days correlated with reduced ROP severity.
- Low serum inositol concentration increased the odds of developing severe ROP (OR=4.7).
Conclusions:
- Inositol supplementation in infant formula may be a strategy to prevent severe ROP.
- Maintaining adequate serum inositol levels appears crucial for mitigating ROP risk in vulnerable infants.
Purpose:
To examine the relationship between the intake of sugar inositol, serum inositol levels, and ROP in three groups of low birthweight infants receiving feedings containing various concentrations of inositol.
Methods:
Infants with a birthweight <1500 g, with severe lung disease, were eligible for the study when they began enteral feedings. Infant formulas contained three different inositol concentrations: 2500, 710, and 242 micromol/L. Serum inositol concentrations were averaged over specific time intervals. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the confounding effect of duration of mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy, birthweight, Apgar score, and serum inositol concentration on development of ROP.
Results:
Infants receiving high inositol formula and with higher serum inositol concentrations at birth and after 30 days had a statistically significant lower incidence of severe ROP than those receiving the lower inositol formula and with lower serum concentrations (P<.05). The effective serum inositol concentration (EC90) associated with lesser disease was >215 micromol/L. By logistic regression, the odds of developing severe ROP were greater among infants with low serum inositol concentration (odds ratio=4.7, 95% confidence interval 0.90-24.8, P=.017).
Conclusion:
Inositol supplementation may help prevent the most severe form of ROP.
