Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
Mouse Models of Periventricular Leukomalacia
Published on: May 18, 2010
Correlation between periventricular leukomalacia and retinopathy of prematurity
Hsiu-Mei Huang1, Sue-Ann Lin, Ying-Chao Chang
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung - Taiwan.
Insights
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) does not worsen retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or its treatment needs. Lower birthweight, gestational age, and Apgar scores are key factors for ROP treatment in premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Ophthalmology
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Premature infants face risks from hypoxic-ischemic insults.
- Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are significant complications.
- Investigating the relationship between PVL and ROP is crucial for understanding infant health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the correlation between PVL and ROP in premature infants.
- To identify risk factors influencing the severity and treatment requirements for ROP.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 195 premature infants (GA < 30 weeks or BW < 2000 g) from 1996-2008.
- Medical charts reviewed for diagnosis of ROP and/or PVL.
- Statistical analysis using Pearson chi-square test and independent t test for BW, GA, and Apgar scores.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in PVL prevalence between ROP treatment groups.
- Patients with PVL had significantly lower birthweight (BW) compared to those without PVL.
- Gestational age (GA), BW, and Apgar scores differed significantly between infants receiving ROP treatment and those who did not.
Conclusions:
- PVL does not increase ROP severity or the need for ROP treatment.
- BW, GA, and Apgar scores are primary determinants for ROP treatment necessity in premature infants.
Purpose:
To investigate the correlation between periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which are complications of perinatal and postnatal hypoxic-ischemic insults in premature infants.
Methods:
In this retrospective case series study, from 1996 to 2008, after excluding cases with follow-up of less than 3 months, we reviewed medical charts of babies who had gestational age (GA) less than 30 weeks or birthweight (BW) less than 2000 g. A total of 195 patients were diagnosed with ROP and/or PVL and were enrolled in this analysis. We investigated the correlation between ROP and PVL with Pearson chi-square test and evaluated BW, GA, and Apgar scores at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth as risk factors by independent t test.
Results:
There were no significant differences in the prevalence of PVL between patients who received ROP treatment and those who did not receive ROP treatment. The BW was significantly lower in patients with PVL than in patients without PVL. Gestational age, BW, and Apgar scores significantly differed between patients who did and did not receive retinal treatment for ROP.
Conclusions:
Periventricular leukomalacia did not increase the severity of ROP or requirement of ROP treatment. Birthweight, GA, and Apgar scores were the principal factors that determined the necessity of ROP treatment.
