Optical coherence tomography angiography in preterm-born children with retinopathy of prematurity

Vinekar, Anand; Sinha, Shivani; Mangalesh, Shwetha; Jayadev, Chaitra; Shetty, Bhujang

doi:10.1007/s00417-021-05090-7

Cited by 12 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…It should be underlined that no difference between manual and automated calculation of FAZ was reported [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]; thus, a comparison of such results is acceptable. Our study presented significantly smaller FAZ in preterm children than in the control group, similarly to the several previous reports [ 2 , 3 , 15 , 29 , 30 ]. The explanation for smaller FAZ in preterm babies is that the fovea is vascularized in the fetus.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

“…This might be the outcome of foveal immaturity and interruption of foveal apoptosis due to preterm birth. Similarly to our results, a significantly higher capillary density in both plexuses of the fovea was reported in the previous study [ 2 , 3 , 15 ].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

“…The choroid is the main source of nutrition for FAZ; hence, choroidal damage might implicate FAZ changes. In our study, FAZ was automatically calculated by software, whereas manual calculation is also used [ 15 ]. It should be underlined that no difference between manual and automated calculation of FAZ was reported [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]; thus, a comparison of such results is acceptable.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Vinekar et al did not notice differences in sVD and dVD according to birth weight, whereas FAZ was smaller in patients with birth weight < 1500 g [ 15 ]. Our results allow a similar conclusion regarding FAZ area, but we noted different parameters in foveal and perifoveal vessel density between groups.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive technique which enables visualizing the structure of the retina, and dye-less optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA, angio-OCT) additionally shows retinal and choroidal microcirculation [ 14 , 15 ]. OCTA enables a quantitative assessment of macular perfusion via detecting erythrocyte movement and provides high-resolution images of superficial and deep capillary plexuses of the foveal avascular zone [ 14 , 16 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Morphology and Vessel Density of the Macula in Preterm Children Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Czeszyk

Hautz

Jaworski

et al. 2022

JCM

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Background: Retinal morphology changes may be associated with prematurity and can lead to visual impairment. Optical coherence tomography angiography may contribute to understanding the pathomechanism of structural and vascular retinal impairment in premature children. The aim of this study was to assess an influence of prematurity, neonatal clinical characteristics, and a history of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) on the morphology and retinal vascularity of macula in children. Methods: A case–control study of 123 preterm children and 86 full-term children was performed. The age of the subjects was 10.45 years (IQR: 8.12–12.77), while the age of the control group was 11.78 years (IQR: 8.81–13.79). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA, angio-OCT) were performed using RTVueXR Avanti (Optovue, Fremont, CA, USA). Ganglion cell complex (GCC), foveal thickness (FT), parafoveal thickness (PFT), size of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in superficial plexus, superficial capillary vessel density (sVD), deep capillary vessel density (dVD), central choroidal thickness (CCT), and presence of macular hypoplasia were analyzed. The association between OCT/angio-OCT results and clinical characteristics including the degree of ROP and therapy requirements was assessed in preterm infants. Results: Foveal morphology was affected in preterm children with high incidence of foveal hypoplasia (24.77%). GCC was thinner in preterm children compared to controls: avgGG 93 μm vs. 100 μm, p < 0.001. No associations between GCC and gestational age (R = −0.085; p = 0.228) and birth weight (R = −0.054; p = 0.446) were found. FAZ in preterm group was smaller than in controls (0.13 ± 0.09 vs. 0.22 ± 0.09; p < 0.001). FAZ area correlated with gestational age (R = 0.456; p < 0.001) and birth weight (R = 0.472; p < 0.001). Deep vessel density in the fovea was higher in preterm children than in control group (p < 0.001). PFT was significantly lower in preterm children compared to control group. However, increased thickness in the fovea was noted in preterm children (p < 0.001). FT was inversely correlated with gestational age (R = −0.562; p < 0.001) and birth weight (R = −0.508, p < 0.001). CCT was lower in preterm children (312 μm vs. 337.5 μm, p < 0.001) Parameters of GCC and FT were higher in patients with ROP required treatment compared to patients without ROP and spontaneously regressed retinopathy. FAZ was smaller in patients with retinopathy than in preterm children without ROP. Conclusion: Prematurity has a significant negative impact on GCC, macular morphology, and vascularization. In premature children, decreased FAZ, increased FT, and vessel density were strongly associated with gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, ROP stage, and treatment requirement. Optical coherence tomography angiography is a useful tool for detecting retinal changes in premature children.

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