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Morphological features of retinal development in premature Chinese infants observed by computer-assisted indirect
Feng Chen1, Daoman Xiang2, Yani Mao1
1Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou, China.
Insights
Retinal development continues after premature birth. This study shows normal maturation of the macula, vascularization, and pigmentation in premature infants using advanced imaging.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Premature infants (<37 weeks gestation) experience ongoing retinal development post-birth.
- Understanding normal retinal maturation is crucial for identifying potential complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and document retinal maturation in premature infants.
- To establish reference images for normal retinal development using computer-assisted indirect ophthalmoscopy.
Main Methods:
- 268 premature infants (postmenstrual age 33-46 weeks) were stratified into seven groups.
- Computer-aided indirect ophthalmoscopy was used for fundus examinations.
- Macular morphology, peripheral retinal vascularization, and fundus pigmentation were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Macular maturation progressed with increasing postmenstrual age, with 92% mature by 45-46 weeks.
- Retinal vascularization completed nasally by 41-42 weeks and temporally by 43-44 weeks.
- Normal retinal pigmentation increased with age, reaching 84% by 45-46 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Macular morphology, retinal vascularization, and pigmentation continue to develop after premature birth.
- This study provides valuable reference images of normal retinal development in premature infants.
Objective:
To investigate retinal maturation in premature infants (gestation age <37 weeks). using computer-assisted indirect ophthalmoscope imaging.
Methods:
Premature infants at postmenstrual age 33-46 weeks, who underwent fundus examinations using computer-aided indirect ophthalmoscopy, were stratified into seven postmenstrual-age groups. Images of macular morphology, peripheral retinal vascularization and fundus pigmentation were compared.
Results:
The study included 268 infants in the following postmenstrual-age groups: 33-34 weeks (n = 19), 35-36 weeks (n = 37), 37-38 weeks (n = 49), 39-40 weeks (n = 55), 41-42 weeks (n = 49), 43-44 weeks (n = 34), and 45-46 weeks (n = 25). The macula matured with increasing postmenstrual age. A mature macula was observed in 92% of infants at 45-46 weeks. Complete vascularization was achieved at 41-42 weeks in the nasal retina and at 43-44 weeks in the temporal retina. The number of retinas with normal pigmentation increased with postmenstrual age (rising to 84% of infants at postmenstrual age 45-46 weeks).
Conclusions:
Following premature birth, macular morphology, retinal vascularization and retinal pigmentation continue to develop. This study provides reference images of normal retinal development in premature infants.
