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Retinal Pigment Epithelium Transplantation in a Non-human Primate Model for Degenerative Retinal Diseases
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[The detachment of retina as possible complication after BCG vaccination during HOP--description of case]

Monika Modrzejewska1, Danuta Karczewicz, Agnieszka Kordek

  • 1Katedry i Kliniki Okulistyki Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej, Szczecinie.

Klinika Oczna
|April 26, 2007
PubMed

Insights

BCG vaccination may reactivate retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants, even after successful laser treatment. This rare complication can lead to total retinal detachment, highlighting the need for vigilant ophthalmologic monitoring in high-risk newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neonatology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness.
  • Laser treatment is a standard therapy for ROP, aiming for regression of abnormal retinal neovascularization.
  • Rare cases of ROP progression or reactivation after apparent treatment success have been reported.

Observation:

  • A rare case of ROP progression and total retinal detachment occurred in both eyes of an infant.
  • This progression happened after initial laser treatment and apparent regression of retinal changes.
  • The infant had received BCG vaccination at three months of age.

Findings:

  • The authors hypothesize that the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination may have triggered a secondary inflammatory response.
  • This inflammation is suspected to have reactivated the previously treated ROP, leading to retinal detachment.
  • Ophthalmologic examinations, including indirect ophthalmoscopy, slit-lamp, and USG B-mode, were used to monitor the infant's condition.

Implications:

  • The findings suggest a potential link between BCG vaccination and ROP reactivation in susceptible infants.
  • Close ophthalmologic surveillance is recommended for premature infants, especially those in high-risk groups (very low birth weight or fetal immaturity).
  • The timing of BCG vaccination in high-risk premature infants may warrant careful consideration by attending physicians.
Abstract

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