Background: Infants born prematurely are at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity, which is associated with abnormalities in retinal function as measured using electroretinography. The aim of this study was to record non-invasive flicker electroretinograms (ERGs) in preterm infants and compare function of moderate and very or extremely preterm infants.
Methods: In this non-randomized, cross-sectional study, 40 moderate preterm (gestational age (GA) 34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks, Group A) and 40 very or extremely preterm infants (GA ≤ 31 weeks, Group B) were recruited for flicker ERG recording through closed eyelids using the RETeval® device and skin electrodes. Group A was tested within the first week of life and Group B between 34th and 37th week postmenstrual age. Flicker stimuli were presented at 28.3 Hz with stimulus levels of 3, 6, 12, 30 and 50 cd•s/m. Primary endpoints were peak time (ms) and amplitude (µV).
Results: Flicker ERGs were recordable in most infants with the highest proportion of reproducible ERGs at 30 cd•s/m. Amplitudes increased with stronger flicker stimulation, while peak times did not differ significantly between stimulus levels nor groups. Amplitudes were significantly greater in Group B at the strongest stimulus level (Mann-Whitney-U-Test=198.00, Z = 4.097, p = <0.001).
Conclusions: Feasibility of collecting flicker ERG data in most preterm infants was confirmed. We found no evidence of reduced retinal responses to flicker stimuli associated with extreme prematurity. Higher amplitudes in very and extremely preterm infants could indicate acceleration of retinal development following birth, triggered by visual stimulation.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11427446 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41433-024-03127-9 | DOI Listing |
Front Psychol
January 2025
Nursing Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Introduction: The birth and admission of a premature infant to the NICU is often an unexpected experience and a mental and spiritual challenge for families. Spiritual health is an influential factor affecting how a mother faces and endures a stressful situation. Improving the mother's spiritual health requires cognitive therapy approaches, including mindfulness techniques.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Public Health
January 2025
Department of Epidemiology, St. Peter Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Background: Placental abruption is a critical obstetric condition characterized by the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, leading to severe maternal and fetal complications. In Ethiopia, the maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality rates are alarmingly high, and placental abruption significantly contributes to these adverse outcomes. Despite its severity, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the burden, risk factors, and outcomes associated with placental abruption in the Ethiopian context.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArch Gynecol Obstet
January 2025
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St., 44281, Kfar Saba, Israel.
Purpose: To evaluate the association between lateral placentation and adverse perinatal outcomes, including rates of small for gestational age (SGA) neonates, hypertensive (HTN) disorders, and preterm delivery, as well as postpartum hemorrhage and retained placenta.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all women with singleton pregnancies who underwent a trial of labor after reaching 24 weeks of gestation, at a single tertiary medical center, over a period of 6 years. The study group included women with lateral placentation.
BMJ Paediatr Open
January 2025
European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI), Munich, Germany.
Introduction: In Europe, disparities exist in having access to optimal neonatal care. With the European Standards of Care for Newborn Health (ESCNH), evidence-based reference standards are available which provide guidance to improve the care for preterm and ill newborns. To support healthcare professionals (HCPs) and hospital/clinic management in identifying the extent of ESCNH implementation, a feasible assessment tool is required.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Nasal synchronized intermittent positive pressure ventilation (nSIPPV) is an effective non-invasive ventilation technique, especially for preterm infants. Patient-ventilator synchrony is essential for providing effective respiratory support; however, no automated system is currently available for monitoring this parameter. A new tool for automatic assessment of patient-ventilator synchrony, the SyncNIV system, was developed and applied in this pilot study to evaluate differences between nSIPPV and non-synchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (nIPPV) in preterm infants with respiratory distress.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!