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Retrolental fibroplasia. Experience over two decades in one institution
Insights
Retrolental fibroplasia (RLF) is common in premature infants but severe visual disability is decreasing. Continued surveillance and improved oxygen monitoring are crucial for low birth weight infants.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Retrolental fibroplasia (RLF) is a significant concern in premature infants.
- Modern neonatal intensive care has improved survival rates for low birth weight infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the incidence and outcomes of RLF in premature infants.
- To assess trends in RLF severity over a 20-year period.
- To inform future RLF surveillance and management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1,849 premature infants weighing ≤2000 gm at birth.
- Diagnosis of proliferative and cicatricial RLF.
- Comparison of RLF cases over two decades.
Main Results:
- Proliferative RLF was frequently diagnosed in low birth weight infants.
- Cicatricial RLF was more severe in lower birth weight infants but vision was often preserved.
- Recent years show a decreased likelihood of severe visual disability from cicatricial RLF.
Conclusions:
- Improving survival of low birth weight infants necessitates ongoing RLF surveillance.
- Further research into optimized oxygen monitoring techniques is recommended.
- While RLF remains a concern, outcomes appear to be improving.
Abstract:
We examined 1,849 consecutively admitted premature infants weighing 2000 gm or less at birth for retrolental fibroplasia (RLF). Proliferative RLF was diagnosed frequently in low birth weight infants who were more likely to survive with modern neonatal intensive care. Cicatricial RLF was more likely to result from proliferative RLF and to be more severe in lower birth weight infants, but most affected eyes retained useful vision. Comparison of cases diagnosed over the 20 years of this study suggest that cicatricial RLF in recent years is less likely to result in severe visual disability. Improving survival rates for lower birth weight infants mandate continued surveillance for RLF and study of improved oxygen monitoring techniques.