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Ophthalmological findings in relation to auxological data in moderate-to-late preterm preschool children
Lina Raffa1,2, Eva Aring1, Jovanna Dahlgren3
1Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology/Ophthalmology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Insights
Children born moderate-to-late preterm (MLP) have significantly more ophthalmological abnormalities. Birth measurements, particularly birthweight, are key predictors for these vision issues in preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Moderate-to-late preterm (MLP) birth (32-36 weeks gestation) is associated with potential long-term health complications.
- Ophthalmological outcomes in this population require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate ophthalmological findings in preschool children born moderate-to-late preterm (MLP).
- To correlate these findings with auxological data (birth measurements) at birth and at 5.5 years of age.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-eight MLP children and 35 full-term controls underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examinations.
- Data collected included gestational age, birth measurements (weight, length, head circumference), visual acuity, refraction, motility, and orthoptic evaluation.
- History of visuoperceptual problems was also recorded.
Main Results:
- MLP children exhibited significantly higher rates of ophthalmological abnormalities (82%) compared to controls (47%).
- Impaired motility, heterophoria, and refractive errors were more prevalent in the MLP group.
- Birthweight was the strongest predictor of ophthalmological abnormalities, while gestational age predicted visual acuity outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Moderate-to-late preterm birth is linked to increased ocular morbidity in preschool children.
- Birth auxological data, especially birthweight, are crucial for ophthalmological diagnosis in MLP children.
- Higher gestational age correlates with improved visual acuity.
Purpose:
To evaluate ophthalmological findings in preschool children born moderate-to- late preterm (MLP) and relate the findings to auxological data at birth and at 5.5 years of age.
Methods:
Seventy-eight MLP children [gestational age (GA) 32-36 weeks; 34 girls; mean age 5.7 years] were investigated. Gestational age, weight, length and head circumference at birth and at the time of assessment were registered. Visual acuity (VA), refraction, orthoptic evaluation, slit-lamp examination and ophthalmoscopy were conducted, and a history of visuoperceptual problems was recorded. The data were compared with age- and sex-matched controls born full term (n = 35).
Results:
Ophthalmological abnormalities were noted in 82% of MLP children and 47% of controls (p = 0.0004). There was a significant difference with regard to impaired motility (p = 0.03), heterophoria at distance (p = 0.006) and refraction expressed as spherical equivalent dioptre (p = 0.01). Amongst auxological data at birth, birthweight (BW) was the strongest predictor to ophthalmological abnormalities (p = 0.0003). In a stepwise logistic regression, GA was the strongest predictor of VA outcome at time of assessment (p = 0.0036). Moderate-to-late preterm birth showed a 2.4-fold increased risk of refractive errors compared with full-term children (RR 2.39: 95% CI 1.10-5.20; p = 0.02).
Conclusion:
Based on our findings, MLP birth may be associated with increased ocular morbidity compared with their full-term counterparts. Auxological data at birth, especially BW, seems to be an important factor when conducting an ophthalmological diagnosis in preschool MLP children, and an increased VA was correlated to a higher GA.
