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Development of smooth pursuit eye movements in very preterm born infants: 3. Association with perinatal risk factors
Katarina Strand Brodd1, Helena Grönqvist, Gerd Holmström
1Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Sweden. katarina.strand-brodd@kbh.uu.se
Insights
Perinatal risk factors are linked to poorer early eye movement development in very preterm infants. Conditions like periventricular leukomalacia significantly impact smooth pursuit eye movements (SP).
Area of Science:
- Neonatal development
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental pediatrics
Background:
- Very preterm infants face risks for neurodevelopmental issues.
- Early oculomotor development is a sensitive indicator of neurological function.
- Understanding perinatal influences is crucial for timely interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between perinatal risk factors and neonatal complications.
- To assess the impact of these factors on early oculomotor development in very preterm infants.
- To identify specific perinatal factors associated with impaired smooth pursuit eye movements (SP).
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 113 very preterm infants born in Uppsala County (2004-2007) was studied.
- Perinatal risk factors were identified and analyzed.
- Smooth pursuit eye movements (SP) were measured at 2 and 4 months corrected age (CA).
Main Results:
- Eight perinatal factors were associated with lower SP at 4 months' CA in univariate analysis.
- Periventricular leukomalacia was the only independent predictor of lower SP at 4 months' CA.
- Retinopathy of prematurity was associated with lower SP at 2 months' CA.
Conclusions:
- Perinatal risk factors are associated with delayed or disturbed oculomotor development in very preterm infants.
- Specific complications like periventricular leukomalacia significantly affect visual tracking abilities.
- Early identification of these risks can guide supportive care strategies.
Aim:
To investigate the association between perinatal risk factors and neonatal complications and early oculo-motor development in very preterm infants.
Methods:
Perinatal risk factors were identified, and the potential association with early oculo-motor development was evaluated by measuring smooth pursuit eye movements (SP) at 2 and 4 months' corrected age (CA) in a population of very preterm infants born in Uppsala County 2004-2007 (n = 113).
Results:
Among the 15 tested factors, eight showed significant association in univariate analysis with lower levels of SP at 4 months' CA, namely administration of prenatal corticosteroids, gestational age, birthweight, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, periventricular leukomalacia, intraventricular haemorrhage >grade 2, and persistent ductus arteriosus. At 2 months' CA, only retinopathy of prematurity >stage 2 was associated with lower levels of SP. When all factors significant in the univariate tests were included in multiple regressions aimed to assess each factor's independent relation to SP, periventricular leukomalacia was the only significant independent factor. When adding 2-5 of the significant factors using multiple regression analysis, the levels of SP became lower.
Conclusion:
Perinatal risk factors were associated with lower levels of SP. This could be interpreted as delayed or disturbed development of normal oculomotor ability.
