Low fetal haemoglobin levels linked to a higher risk of retinopathy of prematurity, study finds
USA: A new study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology suggests that low levels of fetal haemoglobin (HbF) may increase the risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants.
The oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve of fetal haemoglobin (HbF) may affect systemic oxygenation and the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The study aims to determine the effects of HbF levels on systemic oxygenation and ROP development.
The prospective study called PaclFiHER Report conducted at the Johns Hopkins NICU enrolled 64 preterm infants with HbF measured at birth, 31, 34, and 37 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA), complete blood gas and SpO2 recorded up to 42 weeks PMA, and at least one ROP exam.
The study had the following key takeaways:
- The results showed higher HbF levels were associated with significantly higher SpO2 and lower PCO2, and FiO2 from birth to 31 weeks PMA and 31 to 34 weeks PMA.
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