[Retrolental fibroplasia: retrospective study (author's transl)]

Retrolental fibroplasia (RLF) is an iatrogenic disease of immature or dystrophic newborns who had been given oxygen treatment. Exchange transfusions seem to be of aetiological importance because they change the oxygen dissociation curve. Oxygen treatment of the newborn requires exact monitoring which can be done only in specially equipped departments. The retinal changes, up to the full-blown picture of RLF, progress rapidly. Ophthalmological control is, therefore, necessary as early as four weeks of age. If early RLF changes are demonstrated serial examinations every two weeks are indicated so that, if progression is demonstrated, treatment can be instituted.