Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Retinopathy of prematurity: A review of pathophysiology and signaling pathways

Mariza Fevereiro‐Martins, Carlos Marques‐Neves, Hercília Guimarães, Manuel Bicho

Survey of Ophthalmology · 2022

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Summary

This 2022 narrative review examines the pathophysiological basis of retinopathy of prematurity, a leading cause of childhood blindness in premature infants. The authors synthesise evidence on cellular and molecular signalling cascades—particularly those involving oxygen regulation, angiogenic factors, and inflammatory pathways—that drive abnormal retinal vascular development. The paper appears to consolidate mechanistic understanding to inform prevention and treatment strategies, though the review does not directly address nutritional or dietary interventions.

Regional applicability

Findings are relevant to UK neonatal and ophthalmology practice, where ROP remains a concern in extremely premature infants managed in intensive care. However, this mechanistic review does not directly inform UK farming systems or food-based prevention strategies.

Key measures

Pathophysiological mechanisms; signalling pathways; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); oxygen-induced vascular changes; inflammatory mediators

Outcomes reported

The paper reviews pathophysiological mechanisms underlying retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and examines the cellular and molecular signalling pathways implicated in disease development and progression. The review synthesises current understanding of how abnormal retinal vascularisation occurs in premature infants.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Other / interdisciplinary
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
System type
Human clinical
DOI
10.1016/j.survophthal.2022.11.007
Catalogue ID
SNmoh9mnzj-usqtmg

Topic tags

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