[Analysis of efficacy of prevention and antioxidant therapy in premature infants]

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Retinopathy of prematurity (RP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
• Antioxidant therapy is being explored to mitigate the risk and severity of RP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of histochrome as a preventive treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (RP).
• To compare histochrome with emoxipine and no antioxidant therapy in high-risk premature infants.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 282 premature infants (mean gestational age 27 weeks, birth weight 914g).
• Infants received preventive treatment with histochrome, emoxipine, or no antioxidant therapy.
• Histochrome was also used for treatment of established RP via periocular injections and instillations.

Main Results:

• Preventive histochrome treatment significantly decreased RP incidence compared to emoxipine and no antioxidant therapy.
• Combination antioxidant therapy (dicynon and emoxipine) also showed a significant reduction in RP incidence versus no preventive treatment.
• Histochrome use in treating RP led to more favorable disease outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Histochrome demonstrates potential as an effective preventive and therapeutic agent for retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants.
• Antioxidant interventions, particularly histochrome, may play a crucial role in managing RP.
• Further research into optimal antioxidant strategies for RP is warranted.