Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
10:32
Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
Risk Factors and Structural Impact of Macular Edema in Preterm Infants: An OCT-Based Cohort Study
Weiming Yang1, Xiaohong Zhou1, Yian Li1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|May 6, 2026
Summary
Macular edema (ME) in preterm infants can cause lasting foveal abnormalities, even after apparent resolution. Postnatal factors like respiratory support and nutrition, not birth details, are key risk factors for ME development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Macular edema (ME) is a significant concern in preterm infants, potentially impacting visual development.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring retinal conditions in neonates.
- Understanding risk factors for ME is vital for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors associated with macular edema (ME) in preterm infants.
- To assess the impact of ME on the structural development of the fovea in this population.
- To utilize handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) and clinical data for comprehensive investigation.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study of 106 preterm infants screened for retinopathy of prematurity using RetCam 3 and OCT.
- Clinical data were collected, and ME was classified based on OCT morphology.
- Quantitative foveal parameters were measured, and logistic regression models identified ME risk factors.
Main Results:
- 25.5% of infants developed ME. Infants with resolved ME exhibited persistent foveal abnormalities, including increased central foveal thickness (CFT) and foveal outer retinal thickness (FORT).
- Independent risk factors for ME included higher postmenstrual age at OCT, prolonged phototherapy, respiratory support, and high nutritional risk.
- Birth weight, gestational age, and Apgar scores were not significant predictors of ME.
Conclusions:
- Macular edema in preterm infants is linked to persistent foveal structural changes, even after apparent resolution on OCT.
- Postnatal factors such as nutrition, respiratory support, and phototherapy are more strongly associated with ME development than perinatal factors.
- Risk-based OCT monitoring and extended follow-up are recommended for preterm infants at risk for ME.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...