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[Acute retinopathy of prematurity following oxygen therapy: current concepts (author's transl)]
Insights
High arterial PaO2 in premature infants is linked to retinopathy of prematurity. Oxygen overdose, especially early after birth, poses significant risks, necessitating careful monitoring and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Ophthalmology
Context:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant concern in premature infants.
- A study was conducted at the Florence Geller Center over four years.
Purpose:
- To investigate the incidence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity.
- To highlight the dangers of excessive oxygen administration in neonates.
Summary:
- Five cases of ROP were observed in 1,750 premature infants.
- All affected infants experienced arterial PaO2 levels exceeding 100 mmHg.
- Oxygen therapy, particularly in the initial hours of life, was implicated in severe cases.
Impact:
- Laser photocoagulation was used in four eyes with varying outcomes (regression, cicatrisation, fibroplasia).
- ROP remains a threat in France, though less frequent than in the US or Japan.
- Indirect ophthalmoscopy and fluorography are crucial for ROP diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning.
Abstract:
Five cases of retinopathy of prematurity have been observed among 1,750 premature infants at the Florence Geller Center in Cochin-Port-Royal--C.H.U. over a period of four years. In all cases, arterial PaO2 was more than 100 mmHg at least once. In the two worst cases, oxygen therapy given only during the first had been hours of life. The authors insist on the dangers of oxygen overdose immediately after birth or during transport to a Premature Infants Center. Laser photocoagulation was employed in four eyes: 2 with regression, 1 with cicatrisation, 1 with fibroplasia. Retinopathy of prematurity remains a danger in France, even if it is not as frequent as in the U.S.A. or Japan. Indirect ophthalmoscopy is essential for diagnosis and fluorography very useful to determine prognosis and treatment.