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[Retinopathy of prematurity and oxidative stress]
R Cervantes-Munguía1, L Espinosa-López, P Gómez-Contreras
1Departamento de Neonatología y Oftalmología, Hospital de Pediatría del Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico. rcervantesm@hotmail.com
Insights
High serum lipoperoxide levels, indicating oxidative stress, are associated with retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants. This finding suggests a potential link between oxidative stress and the development of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal ophthalmology
- Pediatric oxidative stress research
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) pathogenesis
Context:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Excessive oxidative stress is hypothesized to play a role in ROP development.
- Understanding the relationship between oxidative stress markers and ROP is crucial for early detection and intervention.
Purpose:
- To investigate the association between serum lipoperoxide levels, a marker of oxidative stress, and the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Summary:
- A prospective cohort study included 50 premature infants (<33 weeks gestational age).
- Serum lipoperoxide levels were measured weekly for one month.
- Infants who developed ROP exhibited significantly higher mean lipoperoxide levels compared to those without ROP.
Impact:
- This study establishes a significant association between elevated serum lipoperoxide levels and an increased risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity.
- Findings highlight the potential role of oxidative stress in ROP pathogenesis.
- Results may inform future research on preventative strategies and therapeutic targets for ROP.
Introduction:
There is some evidence that retinopathy of prematurity is due to excessive oxidative stress on the developing retina caused by high free radical production or reduced ability to eliminate these radicals.
Objective:
To determine the relationship between high levels of oxidative stress and retinopathy of prematurity.
Material And Methods:
A prospective cohort study was designed. Fifty premature infants of less than 33 weeks' gestational age were included. Serum lipoperoxide levels were determined as a measure of oxidative stress. Samples were taken once a week for 1 month, starting from the first week of life. The results of all four samples were compared between infants who developed any degree of retinopathy of prematurity and those without it. Ophthalmological examinations were performed after the fourth week of life.
Results:
The incidence of retinopathy of prematurity was 22 % (11/50). The mean values of all the samples showed a significant difference between infants who developed retinopathy of prematurity (5.44 +/- 1.30 nmol/ml) and those who did not (2.94 +/- 0.89 nmol/ml, p = 0.0001). The relative risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity with high serum lipoperoxide levels was 5.15, 5.63, 4.15 and 12.70 for each of the weekly samples.
Conclusions:
There is an association between high serum lipoperoxide levels, as a measure of oxidative stress, and the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity.
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