Severe ROP in twins after blockage of the renin-angiotensin system during gestation.

UNLABELLED: Blockage of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) during pregnancy is known to cause serious dysfunction of many organs of the foetus and newborn. Angiotensin II is an angiogenic factor and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prevent retinal neovascularisation and their use in preventing proliferative retinopathy of prematurity has been suggested. We report on twin girls born after 32 gestational weeks, who were exposed to blockage of the RAS during gestation, had severely reduced retinal vasculature and developed severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) despite receiving very little extra oxygen.

CONCLUSION

It is likely that ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers not only reduce pathological neovascularisation but also normal vascularisation of the eyes and other organs.