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Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation in preterm infants to prevent retinopathy of prematurity: a randomized
Carlo Dani1, Ilaria Lori, Federica Favelli
1Department of Surgical and Medical Critical Care, Section of Neonatology, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy. cdani@unifi.It
Insights
Lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation did not prevent retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants. This study found no significant difference in ROP occurrence or surgical need between infants receiving lutein/zeaxanthin and those receiving a placebo.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Lutein and zeaxanthin (L/Z) are antioxidants and blue-light filters crucial for ocular health.
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in preterm infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of L/Z supplementation in reducing the incidence of ROP in preterm infants.
- To assess the impact of L/Z on ROP severity and the need for surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with preterm infants born at ≤32 weeks gestational age.
- Participants received daily doses of L/Z (0.14 + 0.006 mg) or a placebo until hospital discharge.
Main Results:
- ROP occurred in 19% of the L/Z group (11/58) and 27% of the placebo group (15/56).
- No significant differences were observed in ROP occurrence at any stage or in the rates of eye surgery between the groups.
Conclusions:
- L/Z supplementation was ineffective in preventing ROP in preterm infants.
- Supplementation did not influence patient outcomes at discharge.
Objectives:
Lutein and its isomer zeaxanthin (L/Z) function in the eye as antioxidant agents and blue-light filters. Our aim was to evaluate whether their administration could help decrease the occurrence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants.
Methods:
Infants with gestational age ≤32 weeks were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of L/Z (0.14 + 0.006 mg) or placebo until discharge.
Results:
ROP occurrence was similar in the L/Z (11/58; 19%) and placebo (15/56; 27%) groups, as the occurrence of ROP at each stage and the need of eye surgery.
Conclusion:
L/Z supplementation was ineffective in preventing ROP in preterm infants and did not affect the outcome at discharge of our patients.
