Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
[The early changes in the fundus oculi of premature infants]
Insights
Premature infants with very low birth weight (<1,500 g) show higher rates of nervous system lesions and retinopathy. Early fundus examination and prophylactic vitamin E are recommended for these vulnerable newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Premature infants often require supplemental oxygen, increasing risks for neurological and visual complications.
- Very low birth weight infants (<1,500 g) are particularly susceptible to these adverse outcomes.
- Vitamin E prophylaxis is used to mitigate oxygen-related damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of nervous system lesions and retinopathy in premature infants based on birth weight.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic vitamin E in relation to oxygen administration.
- To establish guidelines for fundus examination and vitamin E supplementation in high-risk premature infants.
Main Methods:
- Prospective fundus examination of 69 premature infants (<1,500 g) and 49 premature infants (>1,600 g) requiring intermittent oxygen.
- Examinations conducted at 5.5-6.9 weeks of age, coinciding with completed retinal development.
- Standardized oxygen administration and vitamin E prophylaxis protocols were followed.
Main Results:
- Premature infants with birth weight <1,500 g exhibited a significantly greater proportion of nervous system lesions.
- Retinopathy incidence was also higher in the very low birth weight group under similar oxygen and vitamin E conditions.
- These findings persisted despite comparable oxygen exposure and vitamin E prophylaxis.
Conclusions:
- Very low birth weight (<1,500 g) is a critical risk factor for neurological and retinal complications in premature infants.
- Routine fundus investigation is crucial for all very low birth weight infants.
- Prophylactic vitamin E administration should commence from the first day of life for at-risk premature infants.
Abstract:
The authors prospect the fundus at 69 prematures with birth weight under 1,500 g and at 49 prematures with birth weight over 1,600 g, whose neonatal pathology required intermittent administration of oxygen. The examination were done at the medium age of 5.5-6.9 weeks, when the retinal development is completed. The results show a greater proportion of the nervous systems lesions and of the retinopathy at the prematures with birth weight less than 1,500 g, in similar conditions of oxygen administration and prophylaxis with E-vitamin. It is indicated the opportunity of fundus investigation at all the prematures with very low birth weight and the necessity of prophylactic administration of E-vitamin starting from the first day of life.
