OPHTHALMOLOGICAL MORBIDITY IN VERY-LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT INFANTS WITH BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA

This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between retino pathy of prematurity, ocular sequelae of retinopathy, and bronchopulmo nary dysplasia in infants weighing <1250 g at birth prior to the intro duction of steroid therapy for chronic lung disease. Ophthalmological data from 67 infants (22 with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and 45 controls) who were enrolled prospectively in an early intervention pr ogram were analyzed. The infants had two or more eye examinations prio r to discharge and a follow-up examination at 12 to 18 months postconc eptual age. The incidence of any retinopathy of prematurity was 33%, a nd severe retinopathy was 25%. infants with severe bronchopulmonary dy splasia were 1.7 times more likely to develop any retinopathy and 1.8 times more likely to develop severe retinopathy than controls. The inc idence of ocular sequelae, was 45%. Infants with any retinopathy had a 2.3 odds of developing sequelae, and infants with severe retinopathy had a 2.64 odds ratio. When adjusted for bronchopulmonary dysplasia, t he odds ratio for developing sequelae wets 1.36 in infants with any re tinopathy and 1.27 in those with severe retinopathy. The predictors of retinopathy were lower birthweight and gestational age, acidosis, and hypoxemia. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia per se has an adverse effect on ophthafmologic morbidity Evaluation of the adverse effect of any ther apy for chronic lung disease on retinopathy of prematurity should make adjustments For the underlying lung disease.