Foredragsholder / Presenter

Navn / Name: Kerstin Hellgren

Institution: Institutionen för Klinisk Neurovetenskap, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sverige

Afdeling / Department : Ögonavdelning, Akademiska Sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sverige

E-mail : kerstin.hellgren@ste.ki.se

Medforfattere / Co-authors:

Navn / Name: Ann Hellström

Institution: Sahlgrenska Akademin, Göteborgs Universitet, Göteborg, Sverige

Afdeling / Department:

Navn / Name: Lena Jacobson

Institution: Institutionen för Klinisk Neurovetenskap, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sverige

Afdeling / Department:

Navn / Name: Lene Martin

Institution: Institutionen för Klinisk Neurovetenskap, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sverige

Afdeling / Department:

ABSTRACT

VLBW is associated with optic nerve and visual field abnormalities

Introduction: Very low birth weight (VLBW) ≤ 1500 g, is a risk factor for visual and neurological deficits as well as for brain morphological abnormalities.

Methods: Fifty-nine VLBW subjects and 55 age- and gender matched controls were examined with Rarebit perimetry, fundus photography and MRI of the brain. The fundus photographs were analysed according to the area of the optic disc, optic cup, optic rim and rim disc ratio, number of vessel branching points and tortuosity of retinal arteries.

Results: The Rarebit perimetry tests will be completed during the spring 2007, and data will be presented. Fundus photographs from 49 controls and 52 VLBW subjects were analysed. The median neural retinal rim area was 9.5% smaller (p=0.004) and the rim disc ratio was significantly lower in the VLBW group compared to the controls (medians and ranges 0.77 [0.54 – 1] and 0.87 [0.65 – 1] respectively [p<0.001]).The retinal arterial tortuosity was increased in the VLBW subjects as compared to the controls (index medians 1.10 and 1.07 [p<0.001]). Seventeen of 57 VLBW subjects who underwent MRI had abnormal findings.

Conclusion: Adolescents with VLBW have reduced neuronal volume, demonstrated as reduced retinal rim area and low rim disc ratios. The retinal vascular pattern is abnormal with increased arterial tortuosity. The visual function, measured with Rarebit perimetry will be presented and discussed.