Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Retinal Pigment Epithelium Transplantation in a Non-human Primate Model for Degenerative Retinal Diseases
11:20

Retinal Pigment Epithelium Transplantation in a Non-human Primate Model for Degenerative Retinal Diseases

Published on: June 14, 2021

D-Penicillamine for preventing retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants

Mosarrat J Qureshi1, Manoj Kumar

  • 1Pediatrics, Royal Alexandra Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5H 3V9.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|September 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Prophylactic D-penicillamine does not prevent retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants. This study found no significant reduction in ROP, death, or neurodevelopmental delay, advising against its use for ROP prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) rates have decreased in premature infants due to improved neonatal intensive care.
  • An unexpected low ROP rate was observed in infants treated with D-penicillamine for hyperbilirubinemia, prompting investigation for ROP prevention.
  • This study explored the use of D-penicillamine, administered enterally and intravenously, to prevent ROP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prophylactic effect of D-penicillamine on the incidence of acute or severe ROP in preterm infants.
  • To assess the impact of D-penicillamine on other morbidities in preterm infants.
  • To determine if D-penicillamine administration influences neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted using the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group search strategy.
  • Searches included multiple electronic databases, previous reviews, and expert informants, updated through November 27, 2012.
  • Three randomized trials comparing D-penicillamine with placebo or no treatment in preterm infants were included and analyzed for ROP outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Meta-analysis of three trials revealed no significant difference in the risk of any stage ROP (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.03-3.70) or severe ROP (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.03-4.26).
  • No significant differences were observed in the risk of death (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.68-1.32) between treatment and control groups.
  • Subgroup analysis of infants under 1500g birth weight yielded similar results, with no reported side effects or significant differences in spasticity or developmental delay at one-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Prophylactic D-penicillamine administration in preterm infants does not effectively prevent acute or severe ROP.
  • The drug did not show a significant impact on reducing mortality or preventing neurodevelopmental delay in the studied population.
  • Based on current evidence, D-penicillamine is not recommended for the prevention of retinopathy of prematurity.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model10:32

Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model

Published on: April 2, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Diabetic Retinopathy01:27

Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...