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Hyperglycemia and retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight infants

Ruchira Garg1, Alexander G Agthe, Pamela K Donohue

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287-3200, USA.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|May 7, 2003
PubMed

Insights

High blood glucose levels in premature infants are linked to an increased risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This finding suggests glucose management may be crucial for preventing ROP in very low-birth-weight infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Critical Care

Background:

  • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of vision impairment in premature infants.
  • Very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants are particularly susceptible to ROP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum/blood glucose levels and the development of ROP in VLBW infants.
  • To identify potential risk factors for ROP in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective case-control study was conducted on VLBW infants (<1000 g) born between 1992 and 1997.
  • Infants with Stage 3 or 4 ROP were compared to controls with Stage 1 ROP or no eye disease, matched for gestational age, birth weight, and year of birth.
  • Odds ratios were calculated for exposures including glucose levels, oxygen concentration, vitamin E, and other clinical factors.

Main Results:

  • Increased ROP risk was associated with higher mean glucose levels (OR 1.96-2.7 per 10 mg/dl increase).
  • Higher oxygen concentration (FiO2) and history of dopamine infusion also increased ROP risk.
  • Vitamin E supplementation showed a protective effect, reducing ROP risk (OR 0.37).

Conclusions:

  • Glucose levels during the first month of life are associated with ROP development in VLBW infants.
  • Further research is needed to confirm if this association is causal or if hyperglycemia reflects illness severity.
  • Glucose monitoring and management may play a role in ROP prevention strategies.
Abstract

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