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Abstract
Objectives: Lutein and its isomer zeaxanthin (L/Z) function in the eye as antioxidant agents and blue-light filters. Our aim was to evaluate whether their administration could help decrease the occurrence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants. Methods: Infants with gestational age ≤32 weeks were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of L/Z (0.14 + 0.006 mg) or placebo until discharge. Results: ROP occurrence was similar in the L/Z (11/58; 19%) and placebo (15/56; 27%) groups, as the occurrence of ROP at each stage and the need of eye surgery. Conclusion: L/Z supplementation was ineffective in preventing ROP in preterm infants and did not affect the outcome at discharge of our patients.
Acknowledgment
We want to thank Sooft Italia Spa for its generosity in providing lutein/zeaxanthin and placebo. Trial registration: ISRCTN10624844.
Declaration of interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest.
