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Does reducing light exposure decrease the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants?

Christine Johannes1, Kimberly Dow1

  • 1Evidence-Based Practice for Improving Quality (EPIQ) Evidence Review Group, Department of Pediatrics, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario.

Paediatrics & Child Health
|January 15, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Reducing light exposure in neonatal intensive care units does not decrease retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) incidence in preterm infants. This systematic review found no evidence to support this intervention for ROP prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  • Perinatal Care

Background:

  • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of morbidity in preterm infants.
  • Light exposure is a suspected contributing factor to ROP development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review evidence on whether reducing light exposure in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) impacts ROP incidence in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature review was conducted.
  • Methodology followed the Consensus on Resuscitation Science, adapted from the American Heart Association's International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation.

Main Results:

  • Seven articles were reviewed.
  • One study suggested a benefit, but used retrospective controls and was conducted during ROP classification system evolution.
  • Six studies were neutral; no studies opposed the intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Decreasing ambient light exposure in NICUs offers no benefit in reducing ROP incidence.
  • Current evidence does not support light reduction as a strategy for ROP prevention.
Abstract

Keywords:
LightPremature infantPreterm infantRetinopathy of prematurity

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