Frontiers in Pediatrics · 2 authors, 1 centre
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This narrative review summarizes how handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging in preterm infants can reveal retinal structural findings, such as macular edema and choroidal thickness, that are associated with systemic perinatal health factors like oxygen supplementation and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
This narrative review synthesizes evidence from clinical imaging studies using handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) in preterm infants. The authors discuss how OCT findings, including macular edema, altered choroidal thickness, and outer retinal development, are associated with perinatal systemic health factors such as oxygen supplementation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Central results indicate that thinner choroid is independently associated with supplemental oxygen use and slower postnatal growth, while macular edema is associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 2. The review highlights the potential for these non-invasive retinal biomarkers to reflect systemic health and aid in managing conditions like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The implications suggest OCT could evolve into a tool for monitoring both ocular and systemic health in this vulnerable population.
