CENTRAL MACULAR THICKNESS IN 6.5-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN BORN EXTREMELY PRETERM IS STRONGLY ASSOCIATED WITH GESTATIONAL AGE EVEN WHEN ADJUSTED FOR RISK FACTORS. Issue 12 (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Molnar, Anna E. C.; Rosén, Rebecka M.; Nilsson, Maria; Larsson, Eva K. B.; Holmström, Gerd E.; Hellgren, Kerstin M.
• Is Part Of: Retina. Volume 37:Issue 12(2017:Dec.)
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: extremely preterm children -- gender -- gestational age -- macular thickness -- optical coherence tomography -- retinopathy of prematurity; Retina -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Retinal Diseases; Vitreous Body; 617.735
• DOI: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000001469
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0275-004X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: To assess the macular thickness in 6.5-year-old children born extremely preterm (EPT) in comparison with children born at term and to investigate risk factors associated with the macular thickness in the preterm group. Methods: A population-based study of 6.5-year-old children born before the gestational age of 27 weeks and age-matched control subjects. Macular assessments with optical coherence tomography were performed, and the results were compared with neonatal risk factors and sex. Results: Adequate optical coherence tomography measurements were obtained from 134 children born EPT (mean gestational age of 25 weeks [range 23–26]) and 145 control subjects. The mean (range) of central macula thickness was significantly increased ( P < 0.001) in the EPT group (right eyes: 282 μ m [238–356], left eyes: 283 μ m [229–351]), compared with the control group (right eyes: 249 μ m [208–293], left eyes: 248 μ m [207–290]). A multiple linear mixed model analysis of the EPT group revealed gestational age, retinopathy of prematurity, and male gender as important risk factors for an increased macular thickness. The macular thickness decreased by 3.9 μ m per gestational week, when adjusted for retinopathy of prematurity and sex. Conclusion: Extremely preterm birth constitutes a substantial risk factor for a thick central macula, even when adjusted for retinopathy of prematurity and male gender. Abstract : Children born extremely preterm (i.e., before 27 weeks of gestation) had a thicker central macula at 6.5 years of age compared with age-matched children born at term. Low gestational age, former retinopathy of prematurity, and male gender were important factors for an increased central macular thickness.