CONTROL OF CEREBRAL AND OCULAR BLOOD-FLOW AUTOREGULATION IN NEONATES

Intraventricular cerebral hemorrhage and retinopathy of prematurity ar e disorders of hemodynamic and vascular nature. An understanding of th e mechanisms that govern cerebral and ocular circulation is paramount to ultimately advance prophylactic strategies against these disorders because inadequate control of cerebral and ocular hemodynamics partici pates in their development. Some of the mechanisms involved in the con trol of cerebral and ocular blood flow in newborn infants are reviewed , with emphasis on the role of prostaglandins and citric oxide.