Abstract
AimTo screen for ocular abnormalities in healthy full-term newborn infants using wide-field digital imaging and to analyze factors associated with the findings.MethodsA total of 1208 full-term newborn infants at a tertiary eye hospital (Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital) and a district hospital in Jakarta (Koja Hospital) were enrolled to the study. All eligible newborns underwent fundus examination within 48 h after birth using the RetCam shuttle (Natus Medical Incorporated, USA). Retinal findings were documented and analyzed according to obstetric and neonatal risk factors.ResultsOf the 1208 newborn infants enrolled, ocular abnormalities were found in 150 infants (12.4%). Retinal hemorrhage (RH) was the most common finding (88%) in which 2.67% involved the macula, followed by chorioretinitis (4.67%). Univariate analysis showed caesarean section (C-section) (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.18–0.41, p < 0.001) was a protective factor against RH, while prolonged labor increased the risk of developing RH (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.24–2.72, p = 0.002). Further multivariate analysis showed similar protective association between C-section and risk of RH (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.19–0.44, p < 0.001), while other risk factors were not.ConclusionsOur study showed that universal eye screening in healthy neonates is beneficial in the early diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of ocular abnormalities such as retinal hemorrhage, chorioretinitis and retinoblastoma. Retinal hemorrhage is the most common ocular abnormality and is associated with the delivery method and the duration of labor. Universal eye screening is visual-saving and life-saving for neonates with chorioretinitis, retinoblastoma as well as other abnormalities and should be mandatory in newborn screening.
Highlights
Many ocular abnormalities that occur at birth could lead to permanent visual loss
Universal eye screening in healthy newborns using a wide-field digital camera has been studied in different countries to detect early ocular abnormality [2, 3]
This study aims to screen for ocular abnormalities in healthy full-term newborn infants using wide field digital imaging and to investigate the risk factors contributing to Retinal hemorrhage (RH)
Summary
Many ocular abnormalities that occur at birth could lead to permanent visual loss. it is necessary to identify any eye problems as early as possible since it could significantly impact child development [].Newborn eye screening is not yet standard protocol in many countries several methods have been used to examine for eye diseases at birth. Many ocular abnormalities that occur at birth could lead to permanent visual loss. It is necessary to identify any eye problems as early as possible since it could significantly impact child development []. Newborn eye screening is not yet standard protocol in many countries several methods have been used to examine for eye diseases at birth. Sitorus et al Int J Retin Vitr (2021) 7:67. Academy of Pediatrics recommends Red Reflex Testing (RRT) for every newborn. The RRT is a photo-screening test using digital camera-like equipment, which has been used as a screening method for young children aged one to five [1]. Universal eye screening in healthy newborns using a wide-field digital camera has been studied in different countries to detect early ocular abnormality [2, 3]
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