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Progress in the study of association between hematological indicators and retinopathy of prematurity (Review)
Wenwen Tang1, Yin Zhang1, Haifang Zhang1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a critical condition in premature infants. This review examines how factors like platelet count, hemoglobin, and blood glucose influence ROP development and progression.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal ophthalmology
- Perinatal medicine
- Vascular biology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of blindness in premature infants, characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Improved neonatal care has increased survival rates for premature infants, but paradoxically also raised the incidence of ROP.
- While risk factors like prematurity, low birth weight, and oxygen exposure are known, the precise etiology and pathogenesis of ROP remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the effects of various laboratory indicators on the onset and progression of retinopathy of prematurity.
- To explore the association between specific blood parameters and ROP in premature infants.
- To synthesize information on how platelet count, hemoglobin, blood glucose, inflammatory markers, and lipid metabolism influence ROP.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating laboratory indicators and ROP.
- Analysis of factors including platelet count, hemoglobin, blood glucose, inflammatory cells, and blood lipids.
- Examination of plasma metabolic pathways implicated in ROP pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Several laboratory indicators, including decreased platelet counts, decreased hemoglobin levels, increased white blood cell counts, and increased blood glucose levels, are associated with ROP.
- Disorders in lipid metabolism and specific plasma metabolic pathways may play a role in ROP development.
- The interplay of these factors contributes to the complex pathogenesis of ROP.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory indicators such as platelet count, hemoglobin, and blood glucose levels are significantly associated with retinopathy of prematurity.
- Further research into lipid metabolism and plasma pathways is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of ROP.
- Identifying and managing these laboratory factors may offer potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating ROP in premature infants.
Abstract:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinopathy caused by abnormal proliferation of blood vessels in premature infants. It can lead to retinal detachment and, in severe cases, blindness, rendering ROP a critical condition. Advances in neonatal medicine have improved survival rates of low birth weight and low gestational age infants. However, this progress has also led to a rise in incidence of ROP. Currently, premature birth, low birth weight and high postpartum oxygen levels are independent risk factors for ROP. Other factors include mode of delivery, multiple births, anemia, blood transfusion, maternal pregnancy factors, neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia, use of surfactants, arterial ductus arteriosus and necrotizing enterocolitis. Laboratory indicators in premature infants such as platelet count, levels of blood glucose, inflammatory cells, lipid and hemoglobin and blood transfusion may also be associated with ROP. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of ROP are not fully understood. A number of factors may influence the onset and progression of ROP, including decreased platelet counts, decreased hemoglobin levels, increased white blood cell counts, increased blood glucose levels, and disorders of lipid metabolism. The present study reviewed the effects of platelet count, hemoglobin, blood glucose, inflammatory cells and factors, blood lipids, and plasma metabolic pathways on ROP.
