Effect of mesenchymal stem cell treatment on retinopathy of prematurity in patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: experience of a tertiary center
Turkish Journal of Pediatrics, vol.68, no.2, pp.345-351, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus, TRDizin)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 68 Issue: 2
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.24953/turkjpediatr.2026.6933
- Journal Name: Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Page Numbers: pp.345-351
- Keywords: bronchopulmonary dysplasia, mesenchymal stem cells, retinopathy of prematurity
- Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) share overlapping mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and aberrant angiogenesis. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has shown promise in the treatment of BPD through paracrine modulation and anti-inflammatory effects, but its influence on retinal vascular development remains uncertain. Case Presentation. This retrospective case series included five extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants (<1000 g) who received allogeneic umbilical cord–derived MSC therapy for severe BPD between October 2021 and May 2023. Each infant received intravenous (2 × 10⁶ cells/kg) and intratracheal (1 × 10⁷ cells/kg) MSC administration in a single session. ROP screening and treatment were conducted in accordance with national guidelines. Clinical data and ocular outcomes were analyzed descriptively. Conclusions. The mean gestational age was 26²/₇ weeks (range, 25–28³/₇) and the mean birth weight was 810 g (580–1060 g). MSC therapy was given between postnatal days 36–126 (mean, 74 days). No systemic or ocular complications occurred during hospitalization or follow-up. One infant had no ROP, one developed Type 2 ROP with spontaneous regression, and three developed Type 1 ROP requiring intravitreal bevacizumab. All treated cases achieved complete regression after a single intravitreal bevacizumab injection, without recurrence, repeat injection, or need for laser therapy. MSC therapy appeared clinically safe in ELBW infants with BPD, with no adverse ocular effects. However, ROP developed in most infants despite MSC treatment, suggesting that MSCs do not prevent disease onset. The potential modulatory role of MSCs on retinal angiogenesis warrants further investigation through larger, controlled trials.