Role of the brain-sparing effect on retinopathy of prematurity in newborns with fetal growth restriction

Abstract

Introduction This study aimed to investigate the role of the brain-sparing effect (BSE) on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods In this retrospective study, 127 pregnant women were divided into two groups considering the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR): FGR with abnormal CPR group (n = 74) and the appropriate for gestational age with normal Doppler group (n = 53). CPR was computed using the pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) to quantitate the waveforms [middle cerebral artery (MCA) PI/umbilical artery (UA) PI and MCA RI/UA RI: a result <1 was taken into account as abnormal]. ROP screening results of newborns were recorded from electronic files. Results After adjusting for co-variants, BSE was not related to ROP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23–4.95). Gestational age at delivery <30 weeks (aOR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.04–6.93) and birth weight <1500 g (aOR, 5.15; 95% CI, 1.15–25.2) were independently associated with ROP. Preeclampsia, emergency cesarean section birth, or forty-eight hours completion after the first steroid administration were not associated with ROP. Conclusions Gestational age at delivery <30 weeks and birth weight <1500g are independent risk factors for ROP in FGR whereas the BSE is not a risk factor.