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The optimal age to screen low birth weight infants for retrolental fibroplasia (RLF) is between 7 and 9 weeks. Early screenings before 5 weeks detected few RLF cases, suggesting later screening is more effective.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatal Care
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Retrolental fibroplasia (RLF) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Timely screening is crucial for early detection and management of RLF.
- Previous screening protocols may not reflect the optimal timing for RLF detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal age for screening low birth weight infants for retrolental fibroplasia.
- To evaluate the efficacy of early ophthalmic examinations in detecting RLF.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of ophthalmic examination records for infants under 1700 gm birth weight.
- Study period covered five years, analyzing approximately 175 examinations.
- Correlation of RLF detection rates with infant age at examination.
Main Results:
- Fifty-nine cases of RLF were identified.
- Only two RLF cases were detected in examinations performed before 5 weeks of age.
- Examinations during the fourth fortnight (4-6 weeks) showed an 85% RLF detection rate.
Conclusions:
- Screening for RLF between 7 and 9 weeks of age is suggested as optimal.
- Late development of RLF occurred in 9 infants initially showing normal fundus examinations.
- Retinal detachment, a severe complication, rarely occurs before 8 weeks of age.
Abstract:
The records of low birth weight infants who had ophthalmic examination during the first year of life were studied to determine the optimal age at which to screen for retrolental fibroplasia. Fifty-nine cases of RLF were detected in a total of approximately 175 examinations for the birth weight category under 1700 gm during a five-year period. Although about 25% of the initial examinations were performed prior to age 5 weeks, only two cases of RLF were found in that age range. Nine patients found to have a normal peripheral fundus at initial examination, later developed RLF. Since examinations performed during the fourth fortnight of life were 85% positive for RLF, and since retinal detachment in this condition rarely occurs before age 8 weeks, the present series of cases suggests that the optimal time for a single screening examination for RLF is between 7 and 9 weeks of age.