[Investigation of the related factors between newborn history and red reflex]

The red reflex test is an important part of the newborn's ocular exam. This study investigated the relationship between red reflex in premature newborns (PN) and factors of the newborn history. It's a descriptive, exploratory, quantitative study conducted in a public maternity in Fortaleza, State of Ceará, with 114 PN between the months of April and May of 2004. For data registration was used a questionnaire, and for the ocular exam a direct ophthalmoscope. Data showed the following findings: 68% of PN had an Apgar under seven during the first minute; 112 were submitted to oxygen therapy; and 68 to phototherapy. As for the red reflex, 13 (11%) showed alterations, with significant statistical association between red reflex and the Apgar during the first minute of life (p = 0.041). The results cause concern because 10 of the 13 PN with red reflex showed retinopathy of prematurity.