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Evaluation of pro-oxidant antioxidant balance in retinopathy of prematurity
Hassan Boskabadi1, Maryam Marefat1, Gholamali Maamouri1
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Insights
Oxidative stress, measured by peroxidant antioxidant balance (PAB), is linked to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Higher PAB levels indicate a greater risk and severity of ROP in premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal ophthalmology
- Perinatal medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness in premature neonates.
- The incidence of ROP is rising with improved survival rates for premature infants.
- The role of oxidative stress in ROP pathogenesis requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between oxidative stress and ROP.
- To evaluate the predictive value of peroxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) in ROP development and severity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 154 neonates weighing <1500g.
- Blood samples collected at birth to measure PAB.
- Neonate data including gestational age, oxygen therapy, Apgar scores, and clinical course were recorded.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in gestational age, oxygen therapy duration, and Apgar scores between ROP and control groups.
- Mean PAB was significantly higher in infants with ROP (38.45 HK) compared to those without (19.79 HK).
- Elevated PAB levels correlated with increased ROP severity (Grade 1: 36.69 HK, Grade 2: 45.53 HK).
Conclusions:
- Peroxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) shows potential as a predictive marker for ROP incidence.
- Increasing PAB levels are associated with a higher likelihood of ROP severity.
- Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity.
Introduction:
Retinopathy of prematurity (RoP) is a vasoproliferative disorder caused by the abnormal development of retinal vessels in premature neonates. It is one of the major causes of childhood blindness, which is increasing with the increasing survival rate of low birth weight and premature neonates. This study has aimed to evaluate the role of oxidative stress and peroxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) in the pathogenesis and prediction of RoP.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 154 neonates weighing <1500 g admitted at the NICU of Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study between 2018 and 2020. Blood samples were collected on the first day of birth to assess the peroxidant and antioxidant balance. The demographic, prenatal, and clinical course and postnatal problems were also recorded. The neonates were examined for RoP and divided into control (healthy) and affected (ROP) groups.
Results:
There were significant differences between the two groups in gestational age, duration of oxygen therapy, and first and fifth minute Apgar score (P < 0.005). The mean PAB in infants without and with ROP was 19.79 HK (Hamidi-Koliakos) and 38.45 HK, respectively (P < 0.0001). Also, the mean PAB in neonates with ROP grade 1 and 2 was 36.69 HK and 45.53 HK, respectively (P = 0.002).
Conclusion:
According to our findings, the PAB level can be helpful in predicting ROP incidence. With increasing PAB, the possibility of ROP severity will increase.
