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Newborn retinal hemorrhages: a systematic review.
Patrick Watts1, Sabine Maguire, Thomas Kwok
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom. patrickowatts@yahoo.co.uk
Summary
Newborn retinal hemorrhages (RH) occur in about a quarter of normal births and are significantly more common after instrumental deliveries. These birth-related RH typically resolve within 10 days.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Retinal hemorrhages (RH) are a known complication in newborns.
- Understanding their prevalence and associations is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the characteristics, prevalence, evolution, and obstetric associations of newborn retinal hemorrhages (RH).
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of 45 studies published between 1970 and 2011.
- Included studies involved ophthalmologist examination using indirect ophthalmoscopy within 96 hours of birth.
Main Results:
- Retinal hemorrhages (RH) were present in 25.6% of spontaneous vaginal deliveries.
- Rates increased to 42.6% with vacuum extraction and 52% with double-instrument deliveries.
- Hemorrhages were often bilateral, intraretinal, posterior, and mostly resolved within 10 days.
Conclusions:
- Birth-related RH are common, occurring in approximately 25% of normal deliveries and more frequently after instrumental deliveries.
- Newborn RH are typically bilateral, intraretinal, posterior, and resolve rapidly.
- Persistence of RH beyond six weeks is rare.
