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Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology

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Open Access 29-04-2023 | Pediatrics

The impact of perinatal brain injury on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and optic nerve head parameters of premature children

Authors: Yaroslava Wenner, Kira Kunze, Apostolos Lazaridis, Vanessa Brauer, Volker Besgen, Petra Davidova, Walter Sekundo, Rolf F. Maier

Published in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology | Issue 9/2023

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the impact of birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and perinatal brain injury (PBI) on optic nerve head (ONH) parameters and nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) in preterm children.

Methods

ONH parameters and RNFLT were examined prospectively in 5–15-year-old preterm and full-term children with RTVue-100 OCT (Optovue, USA). The parameters of the two groups were compared and possible influences of BW, GA, ROP, and PBI analyzed in preterm children.

Results

In total, 51 full-term and 55 preterm children were included. The mean age was 9.98 ± 3.4 years in full-term and 10.0 ± 2.5 years in preterm children. The mean GA in preterm children was 29.6 ± 3.8 weeks with a BW of 1523 ± 732 g. RNFLT was significantly lower in preterm than in full-term children in all but temporal quadrants. Cup area, volume, cup/disc area ratio, and horizontal cup/disc ratio (CDR) were significantly larger and rim area significantly thinner in preterm children. GA was positively correlated with superior, nasal, and overall RNFLT and negatively correlated with cup area, volume, and horizontal CDR. ROP stage correlated negatively with superior and nasal RNFLT. PBI was the only significant predicting factor for RNFL thinning in all but temporal quadrant in multiple regression analysis. Preterm children with PBI had a significantly larger optic cup (CDR 0.70 ± 0.33 vs. 0.37 ± 0.27) and thinner optic rim.

Conclusion

PBI correlated strongest with RNFL thinning, a thinner optic rim, and a larger optic cup in preterm children and should be evaluated in each patient to prevent incorrect diagnosis like glaucoma.

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Title: The impact of perinatal brain injury on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and optic nerve head parameters of premature children
Authors: Yaroslava Wenner
Kira Kunze
Apostolos Lazaridis
Vanessa Brauer
Volker Besgen
Petra Davidova
Walter Sekundo
Rolf F. Maier
Publication date: 29-04-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology / Issue 9/2023
Print ISSN: 0721-832X
Electronic ISSN: 1435-702X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-023-06069-2

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Springer Medicine

The impact of perinatal brain injury on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and optic nerve head parameters of premature children

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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