Lutein supplementation and retinopathy of prematurity: a meta-analysis

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a multifactorial retinal disorder characterized by an abnormal vascular development of the retina of the preterm infants. Carotenoids are natural pigments that are synthesized by all plants and some microorganisms where they play a role in photoprotection and coloration. Lutein and zeaxanthin (L/Z) are two carotenoids identified as the major components of the macular pigment. Recently it has been suggested that lutein and its isomer zeaxanthin may act as antioxidant agents and that they may prevent ROP. Objective: The primary objective of this study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of oral lutein in the prevention of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm neonates. Study design: We conducted a systematic search for randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials without any language or publication year restriction. The studies have to recruit preterm neonates <= 32 completed weeks of gestation and to compare the administration of oral L/Z at any dosage or duration, versus placebo in order to prevent ROP. Result: Data from three RCT with a total of 406 participants failed to show any reduction in ROP incidence nor the risk of BPD, sepsis, NEC and mortality. It may reduce the number of transfusions but this result has to be assessed in a separate ad hoc trial.