Objective To determine the association between the geneti c polymorp hisms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene and the prognosis for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Chinese. Methods Twenty infants with threshold ROP who had undergone retinal photocoagulation were in the treated group and 20 infants with self-regressed ROP without any treatment were in the control grou p . In the two groups, all the infants had oxygen-breathing history and the sex a n d gestational age were all suitable to be compared, except birth weight. Polymer ase chains reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine the frequencies of VEGF genes in the two groups. Results The frequencies of +405C allele were higher in the treated group than those in the control group (P＜0.05). The frequencies of the VEGF-460T/C and +936C/T ploymorphisms were similar in both groups (P＞0.05). Conclusions The +4 05C/G ge netic polymorphisms of VEGF may correlate to the prognosis of ROP. The carriers of +405CC allele are more susceptible to ROP.
ObjectiveTo retrospectively analyze incidence and trends of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) from 2004 to 2013 in Shenzhen. MethodsA total of 9100 preterm children (5401 males, 3699 females) were screened for ROP in Shenzhen from January 2004 to June 2013 using binocular ophthalmoscope or RetCam Ⅱ. First examination was performed from 4-6 weeks after birth. The birth weight was 520-2990 g with an average of (1710±410) g.The gestational age were 24-36 weeks with an average of (31.57±1.99) weeks. The gestational age of 208 children were <28 weeks, 3608 children were 28-32 weeks, 3553 children was 33-34 weeks, 1731 children was >34 weeks. The ocular findings were recorded according to the International Classification of ROP and The Early Treatment for ROP. Only the more aggressive eye of bilateral asymmetrical cases was counted for statistical purpose, and the cases required surgeries were defined as severe cases. The 10 years period was divided into first phase (2004-2008) and second phase (2009-2013). The incidence of ROP and severe ROP of these two phases was compared and statistics was analyzed. ResultsIn the past 10 years, the overall incidence of ROP and sever ROP in Shenzhen was 12.49% and 4.99% in this screen. The children were divided into 4 groups according to the birth weight, the ROP incidences of birth weight <1000 g, 1000-1499 g, 1500-1999 g and ≥2000 g were 62.62%, 28.40%, 11.34% and 3.63% respectively. The severe ROP incidences were 34.95%, 12.21%, 3.73% and 0.49% respectively in these birth weight groups. The children were divided into 4 groups according to gestational weeks, the ROP incidences of gestational age <28 weeks, 28-32 weeks, 33-34 weeks and >34 weeks were 67.31%, 25.27%, 7.22% and 3.87% respectively. Severe ROP incidences were 37.02%, 10.71%, 1.79% and 0.68% in these gestational age groups respectively. ROP and severe ROP incidences were decreased from 14.64% at first phase to 11.47% at second phase, and from 6.52% at first phase to 4.26% second phase respectively, the differences were statistical significant (χ2=26.96, 26.61; P<0.05). ROP and severe ROP incidence in <1000 g birth weight group at second phase were much less than the first phase (χ2=13.676, 5.271; P<0.05). In <28 weeks gestational age group, the ROP incidence was the same in first phase and second phase (χ2=0.843, P>0.05), but the severe ROP incidence at second phase was much less the first phase (χ2=4.757,P<0.05). ConclusionFrom 2004 to 2013, the incidences of ROP and severe ROP have decreased significantly in Shenzhen.
Objective To investigate the effect of inducible nitric oxide synth ase (iNOS) or cyclooxygenase－2 (COX－2) on retinal neovascularization and its possible mechanism in oxygen－induced retinopathy （OIR） mouse model. Methods Retinal neovascularization was induced by oxygen with different concentration. The expression of iNOS, COX－2, matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP－2) and vascular end othelial growth factor (VEGF) in the retinae of experimental animals were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, realtime polymerase chain reaction and western blotting technologies. Results The inhibition of COX－2 or iNOS obviously attenuated retinal neovascularization and decreased the expression of VEGF and MMP－2. The iNOS inhibition decreased COX－2 expression, and vice versa. Conclusions COX－2 and iNOS may play a role in retinal neovascularization in OIR mouse model, which may act by regulating the expression of VEGF and MMP－2.
Objective To explore the effect of polycythemia on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods The clinical data of 262 premature cases was analyzed retrospectively in Xi'an Children Hospital from January 2005 to January 2009. Polycythemia was found in 46 cases (17.56%), including 27 males and 19 females. In 216 infants without polycythemia (82.46%), 155 were male and 61 were female. The difference of the birth weight (t=0.730, P=0.466), gestational age (t=1.603,P=0.110), oxygen inhalation numbers (chi;2=0.04,P＞0.90) and times (t=1.225,P=0.223), and concentration (t=1.823,P=0.071) between polycythemia group and no polycythemia group were not significant. In order to diagnose ROP, the ocular fundus of all premature infants was examined with binocular indirect ophthalmoscope,and the stage of ROP was assessed.Results In all the premature infants,ROP was found in 120 cases (45.80%). In 46 cases of polycythemia, ROP was found in 25 cases (54.34%); in 216 infants without polycythemia, ROP was found in 95 cases (43.98%); the difference of ROP incidence between the two groups was not significant (chi;2=1.64, Pgt;0.1).In 120 ROP patients, 104 cases (86.67%) with ROP＜3 stage and 16 cases (13.33%) with ROP ge;3 stage were found. In 25 ROP patients with polycythemia, 18 cases (72.00%) with ROP ＜3 stage and 7 cases (28.00%) with ROP ge;3 stage were found. In 95 ROP patients without polycythemia, 86 cases (90.53%) with ROP ＜3 stage and 9 cases (9.47%) with ROP ge;3 stage were found. The difference of the incidence of ROP ＜and ge;3 stage between the two group was significant (chi;2=4.38, Plt;0.05). In 120 cases of ROP, prethreshold retinopathy was found in 106 cases (88.33%), while threshold and post-threshold retinopathy was in 14 cases (11.67%). In 25 ROP patients with polycythemia, prethreshold retinopathy was found in 19 cases (76.00%), and threshold and post-threshold retinopathy was in 6 cases (24.00%).In 95 ROP infants without polycythemia, pre-threshold retinopathy was found in 87 cases (91.58%),while threshold and post threshold retinopathy was in 8 cases (8.42%).The difference of the incidence of ROP with prethreshold, and threshold and post-threshold retinopathy between the two groups was not significant (chi;2=3.27,P＞0.05).Conclusion Polycythemia may not affect the incidence of ROP,but impact on the severity of ROP.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical risk factors of preterm infants and its severity in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).MethodsRetrospective clinical study was performed. A total of 126 preterm infants with BPD in the Neonatal Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2016 to December 2018 were enrolled in the study. Among them, 69 were males and 57 were females, whose gestational age＜32 weeks and birth weight＜1500 g. BPD grades Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ were 63, 40, and 23 cases respectively. According to the presence or absence of ROP, children were divided into ROP group and non-ROP group, with 48 (38.1%) and 78 (61.9%) cases respectively. The differences of clinical data between the two groups were compared and analyzed. Quantitative data comparison between groups was performed by t test, and count data comparison was performed by χ2 test. The risk factors of ROP in BPD premature infants were analyzed by multi-factor logistics regression. The correlation between BPD severity and ROP severity was tested by Spearman rank correlation test.ResultsCompared with the non-ROP group, the ROP group had a smaller gestational age (t=5.988), lower birth weight (t=7.371), higher the application rate of oxygen concentration＞30% (duration of service＞24 h), high rate (χ2=17.244) and longer noninvasive ventilation time (t=－7.139), the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05). In the logistic regression model, the noninvasive ventilation time was the risk factor for ROP in preterm infants with BPD (OR≈1.054, P＜0.05), while gestational age and birth weight were importantly protective factors for ROP in preterm infants with BPD (OR≈0.938, 0.996; P＜0.05). The results of the correlation analysis found that the severity of BPD was significantly positively correlated with the severity of ROP. As the severity of BPD increased, the severity of ROP increased, and the difference was statistically significant (rs=0.306, P＜0.035).ConclusionsFetal gestational age, low birth weight, hyperoxia, and long-term non-invasive mechanical ventilation are the main risk factors for ROP in preterm infants with BPD. The severity of BPD is positively correlated with the incidence and severity of ROP.
ObjectiveTo detect the development of retinal neovascularization (NV) induced by metabolic acidosis in neonatal rats and investigate the relationship between the occurrence of NV and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). MethodsA total of 425 newborn Sprague-Dawley rats in experimental group underwent tubal feeding of NH4Cl (535 mg/kg) with the concentration of (50 mg/ml) (twice per day) from the 2nd day after the birth for 6 days and followed by a period of recovery. Additional 150 neonatal rats were in the control group without the tubal feeding. The rats were executed at the 3rd, 5th, 8th, 10th, 13th, 20th day after birth respectively. The retinal vessels were evaluated through retinal stretched preparation andadenosine diphosphatase (ADPase) staining; VEGF in retina was detected by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).ResultsIn the experimental group, the incidence of retinal NV at the 3rd, 5th, 8th, 10th, 13th, 20th day after birth was 0%，9%，26%，55%，19%, and 0% respectively. At the 3rd day, the expression of VEGF protein was lower in experimental group ［（101.1±14.2 ）pg/mg］ than that in the control group ［（133.2±15.9） pg/mg］（P＝0.004）, while at the 8th day it was higher in experimental group［(98.4±19.2) pg/mg］than that in the control group［（78.1±8.7） pg/mg］（P=0.028). There was no significant difference between the two groups at the 5th, 10th, 13th, and 20th day (Pgt;0.05). ConclusionsMetabolic acidosis may induce NV by injuring the developing retinal vessels. Retinal NV induced by acidosis relates to VEGF. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2005,21:296-299)
The exact pathophysiological mechanisms of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remain elusive. The risk factors of ROP include excessive oxygen therapy, malnutrition, infection and inflammation. Among the factors above, the effect of inflammation on ROP has received more attention. TNF-α is a biological active protein which is involved in neovascularization and inflammation. It may play a role in the development of ROP. This review summarized the studies on the association between TNF-α and ROP in recent years, so as to provide a new way to further study the pathogenesis and treatment methods of ROP.
Objective To learn the screening results of retinopathy o f prematur ity (ROP) of the preterm infants in three hospitals in Shenzhen. Metho ds From Jan. 2004 to Jan. 2007, 1372 preterm infants (2744 eyes) with birth weight lt;200 0 g or but the ones having severe systemic disease in Shenzhen People's Hospita l, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital and Shenzhen Eye Hospital we re screened for ROP with binocular indirect ophthalmoscope and (or) widefield digital pediatric retinal imaging system (RetCamII). Cryotherapy or laser photoco agulation was performed if threshold or pre-threshold type I ROP was found. All preterm infants were followed up until retina is completely vascularized or the disease regressed. Results In all the infants, 218 cases (436 eyes) (15.9％) developed ROP, including 190 eyes (6.9％) suffering from threshold or pre-threshold type 1 ROP, 16 eyes (0.6％) from stage 4 or stage 5, and 230 eyes (8.4％) from stages below threshold or pre-threshold type 1 ROP. There were 435 infants ( 870 eyes) (31.7%) with BW of 1500g or less, in which 236 eyes (27.1％) developed ROP, including 126 eyes (14.5％) suffering from threshold or pre-threshold type 1 ROP, 10 eyes (1.1％) from stage 4 or stage 5, and 100 eyes (11.5％) from stages below threshold or pre-threshold type 1 ROP. There were 137 infants 274 eyes (10%) with BW of 1250g or less, in which 108 eyes (39.4％) developed ROP, including 60 eyes (21.9％) suffering from th reshold or pre-threshold type 1 ROP, 4 eyes (1.4％) from stage 4 or stage 5, and 44 eyes (16％) from stages below threshold or pre-threshold type 1 ROP. Th eincidence of ROP（chi;2=60.43，Plt;0.001）, the incidence of threshold or pre-threshold type 1 ROP（chi;2=46.82，Plt;0.001）and the incidence of below threshold or pre-threshold type 1 ROP （chi;2=10.71，P=0.005）among the total group, BWle;1500g group and BWle;1250g group had statistical differences. Conclusions The incidence of ROP in the three hospitals in Shenzhen was lower. However, the incidence of severe ROP (threshold or pre-threshold type 1 ROP) was higher. Birth weight is an important factor to affect ROP incidence.
ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in extremely preterm infants (EPI) before 28 weeks of gestation during 8-years period.MethodsA retrospective study. From January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2018, 300 EPI infants with a gestational age of less than 28 weeks admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics were included in the study. EPI birth gestational week (GA), birth weight (BW), gender and other basic information, as well as neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, oxygen (≥10 d), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and other hospitalizations and complications were recorded. According to ROP international classification standards, ROP was staged. Severe ROP was defined as ROP that requires treatment. The screening start time, screening interval, and intervention time of all children tested were carried out in accordance with the requirements of the “Guidelines for Screening Retinopathy of Prematurity” until the end of follow-up. The most severe ROP during the follow-up of each examined child was recorded as the final screening result of the examined child, and those with asymmetric eyes with the screening results of the severe side of the diseas was recorded. A retrospective analysis of the overall incidence of EPI ROP showed the incidence of severe ROP, and the first and second stages of EPI ROP during the 8 years (from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2014, and January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018), changes in the rate of severe illness. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen independent risk factors for severe ROP.ResultsAmong 300 EPI infants, the average GA was (26.7±1.8) weeks; the average BW was (993.3±178.7) g. Two hundred and five infants (68.3%) were diagnosed with ROP, 116 (56.6%), 57 (27.8%), and 32 (15.6%) infants of stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ disease, respectively. There were no infants of stage IV and V. There were 30 infants (14.6%) with additional lesions and 59 infants (19.7%) with severe ROP requiring treatment. With the increase of GA (χ2=52.391, 44.521; P=0.000, 0.000) and BW (χ2=43.772, 26.138; P=0.000, 0.000), the incidence of EPI ROP and the incidence of severe ROP decreased significantly. From 2011 to 2018, the number of people surviving EPI obviously increased, especially those with small GA (26 weeks) and low BW (750 g). The average GA of the second stage EPI was lower than that of the first stage, the difference was statistically significant (t=2.243, P=0.026); the average BW of the second stage EPI was lower than the first stage, the difference was not statistically significant (t=1.428, P=0.154). The incidence of ROP in the second stage EPI was slightly higher than that in the first stage, and the incidence of severe ROP was lower than that in the first stage, the difference was not statistically significant (χ2=1.069, 1.723; P=0.301, 0.189). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that GA＜27 weeks (β=－2.584, P=0.032), maternal chorioamnionitis (CA) (β=－0.935, P=0.038) and BPD (β=－1.432, P=0.001) was an independent risk factor for severe ROP.ConclusionsThe incidence of EPI ROP and severe ROP are 68.3% and 19.7%, respectively. From 2011 to 2018, the number of survivors of EPI obviously increase, and those with small GA and low BW increase significantly; however, the incidence of ROP and severe ROP remaine stable. GA, CA and BPD are independent risk factors for severe ROP.
Objective To determine the effect of methimazole (MMI) on retinal vascular development in neonatal rats, and to investigate the relationship between the concentration of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in serum and the development of normal blood vessels and between the concentration of IGF-I and the formation of abnormal blood vessels. Methods There were 75 neonatal SpragueDawley rats in experimental group whose mothers were raised with water with 0.1% MMI at the first day of parturition. Another 50 neonatal rats were in the control group whose mothers were raised with normal water. The rats in the two groups were sub-divided into 4day and 10day subgroup, respectively. The retinal flatmount of the right eyes were stained with adenosine diphosphatase (ADPase); with the paraffin section of the left eyes, the number of nucleolus breaking through retinal inner limiting membrane was counted and the retinal blood vessels were evaluated. Serum IGF-I levels were detected by radioimmunoassay, and the weight of the neonatal rats in each group were observed and recorded. Results The incidence of retinal neovascularization in 10 day MMI group was 27%, and 0% in 4-day MMI group and control group. The serum IGF-I level in 4-day and 10-day MMI group (73.07 ng/ml, 175.13 ng/ml) was obviously lower than which in the 4-day and 10-day control group (168.73 ng/ml,306.38 ng/ml) （P=0.00）. Obvious slow growth of the neonatal rats was found in MMI group compared with which in the control group. Conculsions MMI may inhibit the normal growth of retinal blood vessels and lead neovascularization, which may relate to the initial decrease of the serum IGF-I level. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2007, 23: 198-201)