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Universal Newborn Eye Screening in São Paulo, Brazil
Pauline Scherm1, Devi K Schwartz2, Marcelo Alexandre Agra Cavalcante Costa3
1Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Hospital Department of Ophthalmology; LMU Klinikum Augenklinik und Poliklinik, Munich, Germany.
Insights
Ocular abnormalities are common in healthy term newborn infants, affecting 37.7%. A small percentage, 4.88%, require further investigation, suggesting universal newborn eye screening may be beneficial.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Ocular abnormalities in newborns can impact visual development.
- Early detection is crucial for timely intervention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of ocular abnormalities in healthy term newborn infants.
- To evaluate the potential need for universal newborn eye screening.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 5,000 eye examinations from 32,000 infants across 17 hospitals.
- Wide-angle retinal imaging (five views) and anterior segment imaging within 72 hours of birth.
- Image curation by a pediatric retina specialist for ocular abnormalities.
Main Results:
- An ocular abnormality was detected in 37.7% of healthy term newborn infants.
- Referral-warranted pathology was identified in 4.88% of the infants.
- A total of 59,792 images were analyzed, with specific counts for normal and abnormal eyes.
Conclusions:
- The high incidence of ocular abnormalities warrants consideration for universal screening in healthy term newborns.
- Implementing a screening program could facilitate early identification and treatment of potentially vision-threatening conditions.
Abstract:
This brief report describes the incidence and characteristics of ocular abnormalities in healthy term newborn infants (HTNI) in 5,000 consecutive eye examinations from a database of 32,000 infants from 17 hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil. Imaging consisted of five views of the retina (optic nerve center, superior, inferior, nasal, temporal) with 130° wide-angle lens and one view of the anterior segment in each eye. These images were curated on four separate occasions for the presence or absence of ocular abnormality by a pediatric retina specialist. All images were obtained within 72 hours of birth. A total of 59,792 images were curated: Right Eye Normal (21,473 images), Left Eye Normal (21,983 images), Right Eye Abnormal (8,397 images), Left Eye Abnormal (7,939 images). An ocular abnormality appeared in 37.7% of patients; 4.88% showed a referral-warranted pathology. Based on these data, it is not unreasonable to consider instituting universal newborn eye screening in HTNI.
