Retinopathy of prematurity in extremely low birthweight infants

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Abstract
From 1977-1982, 108 infants weighing < 1000 g at birth were examined in a nursery for premature babies for evidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Of these 108 infants, 88 were subjected to follow-up examinations for periods of 10 mo. to 6 yr. ROP was observed in 53% (47/88) of these children; it was severe in 31% (27/88). Subsequently, 19% (17/88) of these children developed retrolental fibroplasia (RLF); all of these had had severe ROP, except 1, in whom it was presumed to have been missed. The RLF was severe in only 1 eye of 1 child. Each of these infants had received only 25 mg of vitamin E by mouth. The case for the administration of large doses of vitamin E in the prevention of RLF is still not proven. If vitamin E does have a protective effect, then a dose of 25 mg should be sufficient.