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[Comparison of O2-exposed premature infants with and without vitamin E substitution from the ophthalmologic
Insights
Vitamin E supplementation may prevent severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants receiving oxygen therapy. This study found lower rates of advanced ROP stages in infants treated with vitamin E.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Ophthalmology
- Nutritional Science
Context:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of vision impairment in premature infants.
- Oxygen therapy, while necessary, is a known risk factor for ROP development and progression.
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant with potential protective effects against ROP.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of vitamin E in preventing the progression of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants.
- To compare ROP outcomes in premature infants receiving oxygen therapy with and without vitamin E supplementation.
Summary:
- This study compared 80 premature infants receiving oxygen therapy and vitamin E (1986) with 80 similar infants not receiving vitamin E (1984-1985).
- Infants supplemented with vitamin E exhibited a reduced incidence of higher-stage ROP (stages II-V).
- While promising, the study groups were not fully homogenous, limiting definitive statistical conclusions due to confounding factors.
Impact:
- Suggests a potential therapeutic role for vitamin E in mitigating severe ROP outcomes.
- Highlights the need for further controlled studies to confirm vitamin E's protective effects in ROP prevention.
- Informs clinical practice regarding nutritional support for high-risk premature infants.
Abstract:
The present paper deals with the efficiency of vitamin E in the prevention of progress of ROP. 80 premature infants with oxygen therapy and vitamin E all from the year 1986 are compared with 80 premature infants with oxygen therapy without vitamin E from the years 1984 and 1985. The group with protection by vitamin E shows a smaller rate of the higher stages of ROP. The stages II-V could be prevented in the studied group. The two groups of infants are too inhomogenous for an exact statistical analysis because some other factors are meaningful.