Abstract
Exchange transfusion (ET) in preterm infants decreases Hb-O2 affinity and theoretically might enhance the development of RLF. We followed 62 infants ≥ 1500 gm. with repeated fundoscopic examinations by indirect ophthalmoscopy. They were divided into 2 groups: Group I consisted of 22 infants ≥ 1000 gm. of whom 14 were exchanged, and Group II consisted of 40 infants 1001-1500 gm. of whom 16 were exchanged. In Group I (mean O2 therapy 1118 hrs.), there was no difference in incidence of proliferative RLF between exchanged (79%) and non-exchanged infants (88%) (p > .9). In Group II, those infants with ≥ 120 hrs. exposure to O2 therapy (n=20) showed no significant difference in incidence of RLF between exchanged (0%) and non-exchanged infants (22%) (p > .45). In Group II, those infants with > 120 hrs. O2 therapy (n=20) showed no significant difference in incidence of RLF between exchanged and non-exchanged infants. In infants < 29 wks. gestation exposed to > 120 hrs. O2 therapy (n=22) there was no significant difference in incidence of RLF in exchanged (73%) and non-exchanged infants (88%) (p > .85), nor was there a significant difference in infants ≥ 29 wks. gestation exposed to > 120 hrs. O2 therapy (n=19) between exchanged (92%) and non-exchanged (72%) infants (p > .45). These data indicate that the occurrence of RLF is unrelated to ET when infants are matched for birth weight, gestational age, and duration of O2 therapy.
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