Retinopathy of Prematurity and Possible Relation Between Postnatal Cytomegalovirus Infection

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disorder characterized by abnormal development of retinal blood vessels in premature infants. It has been associated with several risk factors, but the main factor is gestational age. Several studies have recently reported a possible link between ROP and postnatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The authors present 4 patients who developed severe ROP following postnatal CMV infection. ROP was successfully resolved with antiviral treatment in all 4 cases. Postnatal CMV infection could be responsible for the worsening of ROP. Antiviral therapy may improve the prognosis of ROP and avoid the need for more aggressive therapies.