Quantitative Analysis of VEGF in Infant Tears as a Biomarker for ROP

Abstract

Purpose : To determine if VEGF can be safely and effectively be obtained and detected in adequate quantities in the tears of premature infants to serve as a potential adjunct biomarker to indirect ophthalmoscopy for ROP disease screening, as well as to monitor disease progression and response to treatment.

Methods : Tear and saliva samples were collected from 20 infants born <28 weeks gestation or with a birth weight <900 g. Tear samples were collected using Schirmer strips placed in both eyes for 5 minutes. Saliva samples, acting as a surrogate for systemic VEGF, were collected using salivette cotton swabs placed in the infant’s mouth for 3 minutes. Samples were diluted and analyzed using microfluidic platform detection antibodies directed against VEGF.

Results : Infants with ROP requiring treatment (n=4) and ROP not requiring treatment (n=5) were younger and smaller than infants without ROP (n=9). An increase tear to saliva ratio between 31-33 and 37-39 weeks gestation was found in infants without ROP and with ROP not requiring treatment but was persistently low in infants with ROP requiring treatment.

Conclusions : Adequate tear and saliva samples can be safely obtained from premature infants for analysis of VEGF. Infants with ROP requiring treatment have no increase in tear to saliva VEGF levels except following laser treatment. VEGF analysis may be an effective adjunct to ophthalmologic examination or may serve as a surrogate for ophthalmologic examination in resource-poor areas.

This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.