Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
[Efficiency of detection and preventive treatment of retinopathy in premature neonates]
Insights
Neonatal retinopathy affects 26% of preterm infants. Risk factors include maternal health and infant conditions, but early intervention can improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal ophthalmology
- Perinatal medicine
Background:
- Neonatal retinopathy is a significant concern in preterm infants.
- Incidence varies based on birth weight and gestational age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and risk factors of neonatal retinopathy.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of preventive cryocoagulation.
Main Methods:
- Examined 580 preterm infants (<35 weeks gestation, 540-2500g birth weight).
- Identified maternal and infant risk factors.
- Assessed spontaneous regression and outcomes after preventive cryocoagulation.
Main Results:
- Mean incidence of neonatal retinopathy was 26%.
- Identified maternal diseases and infant comorbidities as risk factors.
- 78% of Stage I-II cases regressed spontaneously; 22% progressed to Stage III.
- Preventive cryocoagulation in 24 infants (48 eyes) showed 70.4% efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Maternal and infant health significantly impacts retinopathy risk.
- Close collaboration between neonatologists and ophthalmologists is crucial for managing severe retinopathy neonatorum.
Abstract:
A total of 580 preterm babies born weighing 540-2500 g at terms less than 35 weeks were examined. The mean incidence of neonatal retinopathy under standard conditions of care in Moscow is 26%. The incidence of disease depends on body weight at birth and term of gestation. Risk factors conducive to the development of neonatal retinopathy are maternal diseases (gestosis, chronic somatic and gynecological diseases, hemorrhages in labor, detachment of placenta), and diseases of babies other than low body weight at birth and those due to preterm delivery (bronchopulmonary dysplasia, periventricular leukomalacia, intragastric hemorrhages, severe infection, early anemia, periods of hypercapnia and long oxygen therapy). The disease spontaneously regressed in 78% babies with stages I-II. In 32 (22%) babies the condition progressed to stage III. Preventive cryocoagulation was performed in 24 babies (48 eyes). The efficiency of preventive treatment is 70.4% and depends on the disease pattern. Cooperation of neonatologists and ophthalmologists essentially improves the diagnosis and prevention of severe forms of retinopathy neonatorum.
