Systemic response to mydriatic eyedrops in neonates: mydriatics in neonates

During routine dilation of 48 newborns, systemic responses and pupil dilation were monitored. Both 10 percent aqueous and viscous phenylephrine caused blanching around the eyes and produced considerable rise in blood pressure. Dilatation average 4.7 mm. In a double blind study, a 2.5 percent solution caused no skin blanching and no change in pressure or heart rate. Average dilation was 4.5 mm. No blood pressure changes were observed with either one percent cyclopentolate or one percent tropicamide. Average dilatations were 5.0 mm and 5.3 mm respectively. The above agents, used individually for a total dosage of three drops in each eye did not provide adequate dilation for a thorough funduscopic examination. Our protocol at United Hospitals Medical Center is a safe combination of drugs and provides excellent dilatation averaging greater th an 7 mm. No skin blanching or change in heart rate was observed.