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[Impact of prematurity on the optic nerve]

V Bielefeld1, J Rousseau1, C Denis1

  • 1CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France.

Journal Francais D'Ophtalmologie
|April 12, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants show increased optic nerve cup-to-disc ratio and reduced retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, particularly in those born before 28 weeks gestation. These optic nerve changes are linked to the degree of prematurity.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Neurology

Background:

  • Premature birth survival rates have increased, leading to better documentation of its long-term consequences.
  • While retinopathy of prematurity is well-studied, optic nerve complications in preterm infants are also significant.
  • Optic nerve development and health in children born prematurely require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the optic nerve characteristics of preterm infants with a control group of full-term infants.
  • To assess the impact of gestational age on optic nerve parameters in children aged 5-10 years.
  • To investigate differences in cup/disc ratio, ocular biometry, intraocular pressure, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted, pairing preterm infants with age-matched full-term controls.
  • Inclusion criteria involved children aged 5-10 years, categorized by prematurity.
  • Key variables measured included cup/disc ratio, ocular biometry, intraocular pressure, and RNFL thickness.

Main Results:

  • Thirty-seven preterm infants and 37 controls were analyzed, with no significant differences in axial length, spherical equivalent, pachymetry, or intraocular pressure.
  • A significantly increased cup/disc ratio was observed in the preterm group (0.36 vs. 0.27).
  • Preterm infants born before 28 weeks gestation showed reduced RNFL thickness in superior temporal, global, and nasal sectors compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced RNFL thickness in preterm children is dependent on the stage of prematurity.
  • Optic nerve alterations, including increased cup/disc ratio and thinner RNFL, are associated with prematurity.
  • Long-term follow-up of preterm populations with matched controls is recommended to assess functional outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
Nerf optiqueOptic nervePrematurityPrématuritéRNFL

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