SYSTEMIC EFFECTS OF SCREENING FOR RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY

Aims-To detect systemic complications of screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), paying particular attention to the physical examina tion. Methods-Oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and blood pressure were m onitored before, during, and after 110 ROP screening examinations. Res ults-Following topical mydriatics diastolic blood pressure was elevate d by a mean of 6 (SD 7.2) mm Hg. Immediately after the examination the re was a further rise in both systolic and diastolic pressure of 4.3 ( 14.5) mm Hg and 3.3 (11.6) mm Hg, respectively. Oxygen saturation and pulse rate remained stable during the control period and administratio n of eyedrops. Saturation fell by a median of 3% (95% confidence inter val plus or minus 1.2%) after the examination while there was rise in pulse rate of 7 (SD 23.1) beats per minute. This change in pulse rate was not observed in infants on concurrent methylxanthine therapy. No i nfant had clinically significant changes at the end of the study. Conc lusion-The initial changes in blood pressure may represent side effect s of topical mydriatics but the later changes following the physical e xamination may be an additional response to the stress of ROP screenin g.