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ROP showed a strong link with altered brain structure, revealing early neuroimaging clues to later developmental concerns.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study published in June 2025 issue of Journal of Pediatrics to examine whether retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants born preterm was associated with brain abnormalities on structural MRI. 

They enrolled 395 infants born at ≤32 weeks of gestation from 5 neonatal intensive care units in Cincinnati. All eligible infants underwent standard ROP screening per international guidelines at 31 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) or 5 to 6 weeks of age, whichever occurred later. Structural MRI without sedation was performed between 39 and 44 weeks of PMA. A single neuroradiologist used the validated Kidokoro global brain abnormality score to assess brain injury and maturational abnormalities. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between ROP and brain abnormality scores, adjusting for several established confounders.  

The results showed that among 395 infants born preterm, 134 (33.9%) developed ROP, and 19 (14.2%) of those had severe ROP (stage 3 or required treatment). In multiple linear regression analysis, ROP of any severity was significantly associated with higher global brain abnormality scores [ = 1.5 (95% CI: 0.3, 2.8)], as was severe ROP [ = 2.3 (95% CI: 0.1, 4.5)], after adjusting for confounding factors. Secondary analysis showed significant associations between ROP and abnormalities in cerebellar and deep nuclear gray matter but not in white matter or cortical gray matter.  

Investigators concluded that ROP, particularly in its severe form, was significantly linked to global brain abnormalities at term-equivalent age, suggesting potential structural underpinnings for future visual and neurodevelopmental impairments. 

Source: jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(25)00252-5/abstract