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Retinopathy of prematurity in extremely low birthweight infants
Insights
A study on premature infants found that 53% developed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), with 19% progressing to retrolental fibroplasia (RLF). The findings suggest that 25 mg of vitamin E may be sufficient for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant concern in premature infants.
- Retrolental fibroplasia (RLF) is a severe complication of ROP.
- The role of vitamin E in preventing ROP and RLF has been investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence of ROP and RLF in low birth weight infants.
- To evaluate the potential protective effect of a 25 mg oral dose of vitamin E.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 108 infants weighing <1000 g at birth.
- Follow-up examinations for ROP and RLF over 10 months to six years.
- Infants received 25 mg of vitamin E orally.
Main Results:
- ROP was observed in 53% of the 88 infants followed.
- Severe ROP occurred in 31% of infants.
- 19% developed RLF, predominantly from severe ROP, with one case of severe RLF in one eye.
Conclusions:
- The study does not provide conclusive evidence for high-dose vitamin E in RLF prevention.
- A 25 mg oral dose of vitamin E may be sufficient if it has a protective effect.
- Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of vitamin E in ROP/RLF prevention.
Abstract:
From 1977 to 1982, 108 infants weighing less than 1000 g at birth were examined in a nursery for premature babies for evidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Of these 108 infants, 88 were subjected to follow-up examinations for periods of 10 months to six years. ROP had been observed in 53% (47/88) of these children; it had been severe in 31% (27/88). Subsequently, 19% (17/88) of these children developed retrolental fibroplasia (RLF); all of these had had severe ROP, except one, in whom it is presumed to have been missed. The RLF was severe in only one eye of one child. Each of these infants had received only 25 mg of vitamin E by mouth. The writers consider that the case for the administration of large doses of vitamin E in the prevention of RLF is still not proven and conclude that, if vitamin E does have a protective effect, then a dose of 25 mg is sufficient.