The Role of Fetal Hemoglobin on the Development and Progression of ROP

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To evaluate the role of fetal hemoglobin levels on the development and progression of ROP. Methods: Prospective study with 14 patients enrolled. Inclusion criteria included a birth weight of less than 1000 grams and birth at 29 weeks or less. Fetal Hemoglobin was measured at 29, 32, 35 and 38 weeks during regularly scheduled blood draws. The screening and treating physicians were blinded to the level of the fetal hemoglobin and the need for treatment. Results: 7 of the 14 children in the study developed ROP and required laser treatment. 5 children developed ROP but regressed without any laser treatment. 2 children did not develop ROP. The average birth weight of children that required laser treatment was 668.6 grams and of those that that did not require laser treatment was 745.6 grams. The average age of children that were treated was 23.7 weeks versus 25 weeks for the group that did not need treatment. The difference in the 32 week fetal hemoglobin level was statistically significant with a fetal hemoglobin level of 18.9% in the patients that did not need treatment versus 12.3% in the patients that needed laser treatment. Conclusions: The 32 week fetal hemoglobin level was found to be statistically different between the groups that needed and did not need treatment. Our results indicate that a higher level of fetal hemoglobin could be protective against the progression of ROP.

Keywords: retinopathy of prematurity