Abstract:
To determine whether first segment length (FSL) of themajor temporal superior and inferior retinal arterioles andvenules is influenced by preterm birth and/or ROP.
Digital retinal images (RetCam 130, Massie Labs, Dublin,CA) were obtained between 35 and 44 weeks PMA during routineROP screening and eye exams of more mature babies. FSL approximatesto the straight–line–distance measured from thecentre of the optic disc (OD) to the first branch of superiorand inferior temporal arterioles and venules.
Images from left eyes of 56 babies were analysed yieldingmeasurements from 94 arterioles and 104 venules. Arteriolesnot branching within 200 image pixels (px) of the OD were assignedan arbitrary value (200px), hence medians are presented. Allvenules had measurable branches. FSL is expressed in px in thetables:
FSL of retinal arterioles, but not venules, is
significantly influenced by both premature birth and ROP. These
two cannot be fully differentiated here. As the first arteriolar
branch would develop early in gestation, before survival is
possible, the question arises of whether arteriolar development
in preterm babies is affected before and/or after birth.
Keywords: retinopathy of prematurity • retinal development