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Observational Study
. 2024 Jun;95(7):1868-1874.
doi: 10.1038/s41390-024-03091-w. Epub 2024 Feb 24.

Vasoactive peptides as biomarkers for the prediction of retinopathy of prematurity

Roland P Neumann #  1 , Roland Gerull #  2   3 , Pascal W Hasler  4 , Sven Wellmann  5 , Sven M Schulzke  2
Affiliations
Observational Study

Vasoactive peptides as biomarkers for the prediction of retinopathy of prematurity

Roland P Neumann et al. Pediatr Res. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major complication in preterm infants. We assessed if plasma levels of midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) and C-terminal pro-endothelin-1 (CT-proET1) serve as early markers for subsequent ROP development in preterm infants <32 weeks gestation.

Methods: Prospective, two-centre, observational cohort study. MR-proANP and CT-proET1 were measured on day seven of life. Associations with ROP ≥ stage II were investigated by univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results: We included 224 infants born at median (IQR) 29.6 (27.1-30.8) weeks gestation and birth weight of 1160 (860-1435) g. Nineteen patients developed ROP ≥ stage II. MR-proANP and CT-proET1 levels were higher in these infants (median (IQR) 864 (659-1564) pmol/L and 348 (300-382) pmol/L, respectively) compared to infants without ROP (median (IQR) 299 (210-502) pmol/L and 196 (156-268) pmol/L, respectively; both P < 0.001). MR-proANP and CT-proET1 levels were significantly associated with ROP ≥ stage II in univariable logistic regression models and after adjusting for co-factors, including gestational age and birth weight z-score.

Conclusions: MR-proANP and CT-proET1 measured on day seven of life are strongly associated with ROP ≥ stage II in very preterm infants and might improve early prediction of ROP in the future.

Impact: Plasma levels of midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide and C-terminal pro-endothelin-1 measured on day seven of life in very preterm infants show a strong association with development of retinopathy of prematurity ≥ stage II. Both biomarkers have the potential to improve early prediction of retinopathy of prematurity. Vasoactive peptides might allow to reduce the proportion of screened infants substantially.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow chart of patient recruitment.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Levels of vasoactive peptides by ROP stages.
a Levels of MR-proANP by ROP stages. b Levels of CT-proET1 by ROP stages.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3. Receiver operating characteristic curves for prediction of ROP ≥ stage II in preterm infants born below 32 weeks of gestation.
a Model including MR-proANP and gestational age. b Model including CT-proET1, gestational age, and birth weight z-score.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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