RETROLENTAL FIBROPLASIA<subtitle>The Role of Hemorrhage in Its Pathogenesis</subtitle>

Abstract

A STUDY was undertaken to evaluate the role of vitamin E in prophylaxis of retrolental fibroplasia. Serial ophthalmoscopic examinations thus far made on 72 premature infants weighing less than 1,650 Gm. at birth have established the importance of hemorrhage, an unexpected finding, as a precursor of the fully developed disease. Previously retinal hemorrhages have been described only in isolated case reports and have not been given sufficient emphasis in pathogenesis. METHODS All infants weighing less than 1,650 Gm. on admission to the nursery for premature infants of the New York Hospital—Cornell Medical Center were given routine ophthalmoscopic examinations. The initial examination was usually made prior to the removal of the infant from the incubator, and subsequent examinations were carried out at weekly intervals during hospitalization. After discharge periodic examinations were made in a special follow-up clinic. For infants over 6 months of age, when indicated, examination was performed with the