Oxidative injury may contribute to the development of ROP. BR has been shown to function as an antioxidant. Investigations into the relationship between BR and ROP have resulted in contradictory findings. We evaluated this relationship in a population at high risk for ROP. We reviewed the charts of all infants born at 23-26 weeks EGA from 1992-1996 surviving until discharge(n=157) and divided them into ROP ≤ Stage III (Mild) or ≥ Stage III+(Severe). BR levels from postnatal days 1-15 were obtained.

Results: Table Logistic regression was performed using all variables listed above. Only lower EGA, increased ventilator days and the use of postnatal steroids were found to be significantly associated with severe ROP. We conclude that the level of BR in 23-26 week EGA infants is not associated with the development of severe ROP in our population. The effect of postnatal steroids on ROP has been reported previously and deserves further study.

Table 1 No caption available.
Full size table