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Ocular sequelae in extremely premature infants at 5 years of age

S B Hebbandi1, J R Bowen, G C Hipwell

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|August 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Extremely premature infants often experience long-term eye problems, with 43% showing disorders by age 5. Even without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), ocular issues persist, recommending continued follow-up.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neonatology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Extremely premature infants (< 28 weeks gestation or < 1000g birthweight) face significant risks for long-term health complications.
  • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a known risk factor for ocular morbidity in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess long-term ophthalmological outcomes at 5 years in extremely premature infants.
  • To investigate the relationship between neonatal factors, including ROP, and 5-year ophthalmological results.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 84 extremely premature infants (born 1985-1989) underwent ophthalmological assessments.
  • Assessments included ROP grading in infancy and detailed eye examinations at 5 years (visual acuity, refraction, ocular motility).

Main Results:

  • 43% of assessed infants (69/84) had ocular disorders at 5 years.
  • Reduced visual acuity (< 6/6) occurred in 27%, with 3 infants blind.
  • Significant association found between ROP and ocular disorders (P < 0.0001), but 31% of infants without ROP also had issues.

Conclusions:

  • Long-term ophthalmological sequelae are common in extremely premature infants.
  • Routine follow-up is crucial for all extremely premature infants, irrespective of neonatal ROP status.
Abstract

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