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Corneal diameter in premature infants
1Department of Pediatrics, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Corneal diameter in premature infants is crucial for diagnosing infantile glaucoma, especially in regions like the Middle East. This study provides essential reference values for Saudi premature infants, correlating corneal size with gestational age and birth weight.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Corneal size is vital for diagnosing primary infantile glaucoma.
- Reference values for premature infants are limited, particularly in high-incidence regions.
- Infantile glaucoma can be present at birth, necessitating early diagnostic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference values for horizontal corneal diameter in premature Saudi infants.
- To investigate the correlation between corneal diameter, gestational age, and birth weight.
- To provide data crucial for early glaucoma diagnosis in a high-risk population.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of horizontal corneal diameter in 127 premature Saudi infants (gestational age 23-36 weeks).
- Data collection included birth weight (540 g to 4720 g).
- Statistical analysis to determine correlations and confidence limits.
Main Results:
- Corneal diameter ranged from 7.75 mm to 10 mm.
- A significant positive correlation was found between corneal diameter and both gestational age (p < 0.001) and birth weight (p < 0.001).
- Regression graphs with 95% confidence limits were generated.
Conclusions:
- Gestational age and birth weight are significant predictors of corneal diameter in premature infants.
- These findings provide valuable reference data for the diagnosis of infantile glaucoma in premature infants, especially in the Middle East.
- The study highlights the importance of considering gestational age and birth weight when assessing corneal size in neonates.
Abstract:
The size of the cornea is important in the diagnosis of primary infantile glaucoma. Reference values regarding eyes of premature infants are scarce. Such data are of special importance in areas such as the Middle East where infantile glaucoma is common and often evident already at birth. The authors have measured the horizontal corneal diameter of the eyes of 127 premature Saudi infants with a gestational age between 23 and 36 weeks and a birth weight ranging from 540 g to 4720 g. The corneal diameter ranged from 7.75 mm to 10 mm. The smallest diameter (7.75 mm) was found in an infant with a gestational age of 23 weeks and having a birth weight of 520 g. The largest diameter (10 mm) belonged to two infants with a gestational age of 34 and 35 weeks and a birth weight of 2250 g and 2240 g respectively. Corneal diameter was positively correlated (p < 0.001) with gestational age and birth weight. Graphs depicting the regression line of corneal diameter on gestational age and of corneal diameter on birth weight together with the 95% confidence limits for individual values are provided for reference.