Retinopathy of prematurity. An update on retrolental fibroplasia
Zak, T.A.
New York State Journal of Medicine 82(13): 1795-1796
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-7628 PMID: 6961299 Document Number: 191348
Of intensive care nursery babies, 17% (76/437) developed retinopathy of prematurity. The risk of developing RLF was inversely proportional to gestational age and birthweight and was associated with duration of O2 therapy > 2 wk. Screening examinations were usually positive 8-12 wk postpartum. Of affected babies 22% developed cicatricial changes, including retinal dragging and detachments. Careful follow-up and appropriate therapy was successful in preventing unnecessary blindness in 16 of 17 babies. The incidence of severity of RLF visual loss can be reduced in many cases by conventional therapy if effective screening and careful follow-up allows early diagnosis and treatment.