Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026
Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
Biomarkers in retinopathy of prematurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Mariam Almutairi1, Katherine Chechalk1, Emelia Deane1
1Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Insights
Low serum IGF-1, high serum glucose, and thrombocytopenia are linked to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). These findings suggest potential diagnostic biomarkers for ROP, a major cause of childhood blindness.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Ophthalmology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness globally.
- Identifying reliable biomarkers for ROP is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
Approach:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines was performed.
- Searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (2003-March 2023).
- Included studies focused on serum biomarker levels in preterm infants (<37 weeks gestation).
Key Points:
- Low serum Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) levels show a strong association with ROP development (SMD -.46).
- Elevated serum glucose levels are significantly associated with ROP (SMD 1.25).
- Thrombocytopenia is also linked to ROP development (SMD -.62).
Conclusions:
- Low IGF-1, high glucose, and thrombocytopenia are among the strongest biomarkers associated with ROP out of 63 investigated.
- These biomarkers show potential for ROP diagnosis.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate the precise relationship between these biomarkers and ROP pathogenesis.
Aim:
Retinopathy of prematurity is a significant global cause of childhood blindness. This study aims to identify serum biomarkers that are associated with the development of ROP.
Methods:
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Three databases were searched (Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science) from 2003 to March 2023. Only studies investigating serum biomarker levels in preterm infants (<37 weeks gestation) were included.
Results:
Meta-analysis suggests that low serum IGF-1 levels have a strong association with the development of ROP [SMD (95% CI) of -.46 [-.63, -.30], p < .001]. Meta-analysis suggests that higher serum glucose levels were associated with the development of ROP [SMD (95% CI) of 1.25 [.94, 1.55], p < .001]. Meta-analysis suggests that thrombocytopenia is associated with the development of ROP [SMD (95% CI) of -.62 [-.86, -.37], p < .001].
Conclusion:
Low levels of serum IGF-1, high levels of serum glucose and thrombocytopenia all appear to have the strongest association with the development of ROP out of the 63 biomarkers investigated in this review. These associations highlight their potential use as diagnostic biomarkers in ROP, though further research is needed to establish the exact relationship between these biomarkers and disease pathogenesis.
