Possible roles of bilirubin and breast milk in protection against retinopathy of prematurity

Acta Paediatr. 2011 Mar;100(3):347-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2010.02069.x. Epub 2010 Nov 5.

Abstract

Aim: To explore the association of serum bilirubin level and breast milk feeding with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants.

Methods: We conducted a case-control study to examine the independent and combined effects of serum bilirubin and breast milk feeding on ROP risk in infants <32 weeks gestation or with birth weight <1500 g. Cases (66 infants with ROP) were matched with controls (66 infants without ROP) based on factors known to affect ROP risk.

Results: When analysed using the paired t-test, the peak bilirubin levels were lower in ROP cases than in controls (mean 7.2 vs. 7.9 mg/dL; p = 0.045). Using conditional logistic regression, we found a negative association between highest serum bilirubin level and risk of ROP (OR = 0.82 per 1-mg/dL change in bilirubin; p = 0.06). There was no significant association between breast milk feeding and risk of ROP.

Conclusion: Bilirubin may help to protect preterm infants against ROP.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Bilirubin / blood*
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Infant, Very Low Birth Weight
  • Male
  • Milk, Human*
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / blood
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / prevention & control*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Bilirubin