Abstract
Early neurological examination has generally been considered of limited value in predicting developmental outcome. A high incidence of abnormal visual functions has been reported in VLBW infants. We studied the predictive value of early neurological examination for the development of visual functions in 56 VLBW infants, gest.age 24.8-35.0 w (median 30.6), bwt 690-1490 g (median 1115). Neurological assessment (Prechtl) was performed at 6 weeks CA. Visual acuity (acuity cards), visual field (kinetic perimetry) and optokinetic nystagmus were assessed binocularly at 1 year CA. Visual functions were normal in 40 out of 47 neurologically optimal and suboptimal infants, while 6 out of the 9 neurologically abnormal infants showed abnormal visual functions (p<0.005 Fisher exact). Conclusion: 1. VLBW infants are at risk for abnormal development of visual functions. 2. The incidence of abnormal visual functions is high in infants with abnormal neurology at 6 weeks. However, normal neurology at 6 weeks does not exclude abnormal visual functions at 1 year of age.
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