Peripheral proliferative retinopathy without oxygen therapy in a full-term infant

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neonatology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Retrolental fibroplasia (RLF) is typically associated with oxygen therapy in premature infants.
• Understanding RLF pathogenesis is crucial for preventing infant vision loss.

Observation:

• A full-term infant developed fundus changes consistent with RLF without receiving supplemental oxygen.
• The infant had an uncomplicated pregnancy, no congenital anomalies, and no family history of eye disease.

Findings:

• RLF-like changes can occur in full-term infants without oxygen exposure.
• Relative hyperoxia at birth and non-prematurity susceptibility factors may contribute to these cases.
• These cases might represent sporadic instances of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy.

Implications:

• This challenges the traditional understanding of RLF etiology.
• Further research is needed to identify susceptibility factors beyond prematurity.
• Consideration of alternative diagnoses like familial exudative vitreoretinopathy is important in such cases.