Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Does elevated peak bilirubin protect from retinopathy of prematurity in very low birthweight infants

Joshua D Milner1, Hany Z Aly, Laura B Ward

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.

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

Insights

High bilirubin levels in premature infants may increase the risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This study found elevated peak bilirubin levels were associated with an increased risk for ROP stages III and IV in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Bilirubin is a known in vitro antioxidant, but its in vivo role remains unclear.
  • Very low birthweight (VLBW) infants commonly exhibit elevated bilirubin levels.
  • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant concern in VLBW infants, potentially linked to oxidative stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between peak serum bilirubin levels and the incidence of ROP in VLBW infants.
  • To determine if bilirubin's antioxidant properties offer protection against ROP in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of ROP risk (stages III and IV) in VLBW infants based on peak bilirubin levels.
  • Logistic regression analysis controlled for birthweight and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).
  • Subgroup analysis of infants with prolonged oxygen requirements (≥28 days).

Main Results:

  • Elevated peak bilirubin levels were associated with an increased risk of ROP stages III and IV (OR 1.187; p=0.034).
  • No significant association was found between peak bilirubin and ROP in infants with prolonged oxygen requirement.
  • In the prolonged oxygen subgroup, elevated bilirubin was associated with a longer duration of oxygen requirement (p=0.034).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated peak bilirubin levels in VLBW infants do not appear to protect against ROP.
  • High bilirubin levels may represent a risk factor for developing ROP in VLBW infants.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the complex relationship between bilirubin, oxygen exposure, and ROP.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates06:27

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates

Published on: December 31, 2015

Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model10:32

Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model

Published on: April 2, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Diabetic Retinopathy01:27

Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
Jaundice01:25

Jaundice

Jaundice, or icterus, is the yellow discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes. It happens when plasma bilirubin levels rise above 2.5-3 mg/dL, leading to bilirubin deposition in tissue.Bilirubin is a byproduct of hemoglobin degradation. In macrophages, hemoglobin breaks down into globin and heme. Globin is converted into amino acids, while heme is turned into biliverdin by heme oxygenase, which is then reduced to unconjugated bilirubin by biliverdin reductase.Unconjugated...