OPHTHALMOLOGICAL AND OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGIC AL FOLLOW-UP EXAMINATIONS IN EXTREMELY LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT CHILDREN

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term ophthalm ological and oto-rhino-laryngological outcome in extremely low birthwe ight children. Methods: 47 children with birthweight less than or equa l to 1000 g had an ophthalmological and oto-rhino-laryngological follo w-up examination between 2 5/12 to 5 7/12 years of age. Results: Strab ism was found in 36% of all children and retinal anomalies in 49%. 4 c hildren showed an amblyopy and one child was blind. Overall, 51% had n o, 47% mild to moderate and 2% severe disorders. There was a significa nt correlation between opthalmological anomalies and retinopathy of pr ematurity. The oto-rhino-laryngological follow up revealed relatively mild anomalies. Only one child suffered from severe hearing loss. Over all, 83% had no, 15% had mild to moderate, and 2% severe disorders. Co nclusion: Early ophthalmological follow-up examinations should be done routinely, whereas oto-rhino-laryngological evaluation may be necessa ry only if disorders are suspected.