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Retinopathy of prematurity and surfactant treatment

R Axer-Siegel1, M Snir, A Ma'ayan

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel.

Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
|May 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Surfactant therapy for premature infants did not increase the risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This study found no significant difference in ROP incidence between treated infants and historical controls.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal ophthalmology
  • Perinatal medicine
  • Respiratory distress syndrome research

Background:

  • Surfactant therapy improves outcomes for premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
  • The impact of surfactant therapy on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains unclear.
  • Potential risks include increased PaO2 and survival of low-birth-weight infants, while benefits may stem from improved health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between surfactant therapy and the incidence and severity of ROP in premature infants.
  • To compare ROP outcomes in surfactant-treated infants versus historical controls.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of ophthalmologic examinations in a neonatal intensive care unit.
  • Comparison of premature infants (<32 weeks gestation, <1500g birth weight) receiving surfactant with historical controls not receiving surfactant.

Main Results:

  • ROP was observed in 65% of surfactant-treated infants (n=20) and 77% of controls (n=25).
  • Threshold ROP requiring treatment occurred in 30% of treated infants and 40% of controls.
  • The observed differences in ROP incidence and severity were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

  • Surfactant therapy was not associated with a statistically significant increase in ROP incidence in this cohort.
  • Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the complex relationship between surfactant therapy and ROP.
Abstract

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