Assessment of Association of Serum Lactate Level with Retinopathy of Prematurity

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the relation between serum lactate level and development and progression of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Material and Methods: This retrospective study included premature newborns that received intensive medical care. Serum lactate levels that were obtained with three-day intervals during the fi rst month after birth was noted. Patients with ROP were included in ROP group and patients without ROP were included in control group. Results: 71 patients were included in ROP group and 35 patients included in control group. Mean gestational age 27.8 ± 1.8 weeks in ROP group and 28.7 ± 3.2 weeks in control group (p=0.061). Mean birth weight was 1150.4 ± 251.7 and 1262.3 ± 323.9 grams in ROP and control groups respectively (p<0.078). Mean serum lactate level at the fi rst day after birth was 36.6 ± 22.3 mg/dl in ROP group and 24.9 ± 12.8 mg/dl in control group (p<0.001). Mean serum lactate level at the fi rst month after birth was 26.6 ± 7.9 mg/dl in ROP group and 18.1 ± 6.5 mg/dl in control group (p<0.001). No signifi cant relation was observed between lactate level at the fi rst day and month and ROP stage and plus disease (p>0.05). Mean serum lactate level equal or over 21.2 mg/dl at the fi rst month predicted the development of ROP with a 76% sensitivity and 74% specifi city (Area under the curve: 0.837, p<0.001). Conclusion: Higher serum lactate levels were found associated with ROP and serum lactate level could be used to predict the development of ROP.