Abstract
Purpose :
The central corneal thickness (CCT) in premature infants has been only described in racially homogenous populations, and the relationship between steroid use and oxygen requirements on CCT in these infants is unknown. This study was designed to describe CCT in premature infants in a racially heterogeneous population, while examining associated factors, including steroid use, oxygen requirements, gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), and race and their effect on CCT and corneal haze.
Methods :
Measurements of CCT of 60 patients (120 eyes) undergoing screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) were taken between 2018-2019. CCT was measured biweekly, starting at 30 weeks GA or later, until 44 weeks GA. A retrospective chart review was then conducted to determine oxygenation requirements, steroid use, GA, BW, ROP status, corneal clarity, and race. The CCT of 92 of 120 eyes were analyzed for its relationship with steroid use, race, corneal clarity, and oxygen use. A mixed model was used to account for the correlation between both eyes and repeated measures from the same patient.
Results :
Average CCT in all patients decreased at a rate of 12.3 mm/week (Figure 1). Race was significantly associated with CCT, with Caucasians having the thickest corneas and Asians the thinnest (p<0.01) (Figure 2). Infants with a BW < 1000 grams (g) had higher CCT at baseline (30 weeks GA) but decreased at a faster rate than infants with a BW greater than 1000 g (-13. 4mm/week vs -9.5mm/week, p=0.01). Infants born before 27 weeks GA had a higher CCT at baseline, but CCT decreased at faster rate compared to patients born at a later GA (-13.5mm/week vs -9.6mm/week, p=0.02). Heavy oxygen requirements and steroid use were not significantly associated with CCT or corneal haze (p>0.05).
Conclusions :
Race is associated with differences in corneal thickness in premature infants with Caucasians having the thickest corneas and Asians the thinnest. Lower BW and GA at birth are associated with increased CCT at birth, but were significantly associated with a faster rate of CCT thinning. In premature infants, the average CCT decreases at a rate of 12.3 mm/week between 30 and 44 weeks GA, with an average CCT of 550 mm by 44 weeks GA.
This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.