BELLS PHENOMENON IN NEWBORNS AND PREMATURE BABIES

Aims-To evaluate the development and course of Bell's phenomenon (BP) in premature and normal neonates. Methods-Twenty seven preterm infants and 42 healthy full term infants were studied. Mean birth weight, ges tational age, and head circumference were recorded. BP was graded from no response to full response. The premature group was examined in the first week of life, and then at 4 and 8 weeks after birth. The full t erm group was initially examined at the age of 3 days until a full res ponse was observed. Results-No preterm infants exhibited BP during the first week of life, while 8/28 (29.6%) exhibited a weak to full refle x at 8 weeks of age. In the full term group 15/42 neonates (35.7%) dem onstrated a mature reflex at age of 3 days and 36/37 (97.3%) at age 16 weeks. A significant correlation was observed between BP, sex, and bi rth weight, as well as gestational age in the premature group. No such correlation was found in the full term infants. Conclusion-BP has a l ongitudinal course. It is an important clinical marker for evaluation and follow up of neuro-ophthalmic maturation in neonates.