Fetal growth restriction leads to an enlarged cup-to-disc ratio in adults born at full term.

PURPOSE: This study explores associations between fetal growth restriction or excessive fetal growth, along with perinatal factors on the optic nerve head morphology in adulthood.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study involved a prospective ophthalmological examination of individuals born at full term (with a gestational age of ≥37 weeks) from 1969 to 2002. Each participant underwent non-mydriatic fundus camera photography to capture images of the optic discs, followed by manual measurements. The vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR) and optic disc area were examined and analyzed in relation to the baby's birth weight relative to the gestational age. These categories included those with former moderate (birth weight percentile between the 3rd and <10th), severe SGA (below the 3rd percentile), normal (AGA, 10th-90th percentile), and moderately (birth weight >90th to 97th percentile) and severely (birth weight >97th percentile) large for gestational age (LGA) adults within the age range of 18 to 52 years.

RESULTS: Overall, 535 eyes of 280 individuals (age 29.74±9.23 years, 144 females) born at full term were included. Multivariable analysis showed a significant association between a larger VCDR and the severe SGA group (B = 0.05, 95% CI 0.01-0.10; p = 0.02). In the univariable model, placental insufficiency was associated with VCDR (B=0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.19; p=0.03). Other perinatal factors did not demonstrate an association with VCDR. Furthermore, there was an indication of an association suggesting a smaller optic disc area in individuals born moderately SGA at full term (B = -0.17, 95% CI -0.33- -0.001; p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that individuals born at-term with severe SGA have an increased VCDR, suggesting that fetal growth restriction has a lasting impact on optic disc morphology independent of prematurity throughout adulthood.