Bilirubin and retinopathy of prematurity

Amaç

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative vascular disease of retina. Many factors can influence its appearance, inciuding free oxygen radicals. Recently there have been more and more studies which emphasises bilirubin antioxidative properties.
The aim of this paper is to check whether there is a connection between the level of bilirubin and the appearance of ROP.

Yöntem

We have analysed medical data for 30 preterm newborns with ROP. Our control group also consisted of 30 preterm newborns with similar both and other parameters and other morbidity. with the exception that they didn't suffer of ROP.
Bulgular

The average maximum bilirubin level in experimental group has reached 185 pmol/1 on 6th day of life. The average maximum bilirubin level in control group was 204,45 pmol/1, also on 6th elay of life. Different types of therapy had an influence on the bilirubin level and the appearance of ROP. The average duration of oxygen therapy in experimental group was 37 days and in control group 27 days. Photothenıpy lasted on the average 7 days in experimental group and 9 days in control. Vitamin E was administered longer in experimental than in control group.

Sonuç

According to our results, average maximum bilirubin level was lower in newborns with ROP, but this was not statistically significant. in our opinion, these kinds of stuclies deserve to be continued. This should bring the final proof of bilirubin antioxidative role in organism, as well as establish a protocol for hyperbilirubinemia treatment in prematurely born children.