Ocular fundus examination in premature infants

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neonatology
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant concern in premature infants.
• Early identification and understanding of ROP's clinical course are crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and clinical course of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants.
• To identify fundus picture characteristics associated with ROP development.

Main Methods:

• Indirect ophthalmoscopy was used for examination and follow-up of 187 premature infants (gestational age < 38 weeks or birth weight < 2,500 g).
• Infants were categorized into ROP and non-ROP groups.
• Statistical analysis (Student t-test) was performed to compare birth weight, gestational age, and macular development stages.

Main Results:

• The incidence of ROP was 19.79% (37 out of 187 infants).
• Infants with ROP had significantly lower mean birth weight (1,395 g) and gestational age (30.7 weeks) compared to the non-ROP group (1,824 g and 33.6 weeks).
• Specific fundus features like small cup-to-disc ratio and hypopigmented fundus were more common in the non-ROP group. Macular development was not delayed in the ROP group.

Conclusions:

• Lower birth weight and gestational age are significant risk factors for developing retinopathy of prematurity.
• Specific ocular fundus features may be associated with the absence of ROP.
• ROP does not appear to cause delays in macular development in premature infants.