Fundus Examination of 23, 861 Newborns by Digital Imaging in Ningbo. (29th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Delin; Zheng, Jiao; Lu, Yi
• Other Names: Mwanza Jean-Claude Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of ophthalmology. Volume 2021(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04-29
• Subjects: Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; Eye Diseases; Ophthalmology; Ophthalmology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1155/2021/6620412
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-004X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose . To perform fundus examinations of full-term and premature infants to identify common congenital ocular diseases and determine the incidence and additional risk factors in Ningbo, China. Methods . Fundus examinations were performed on newborns between January 2017 and July 2020 in Ningbo using a RetCam3 or PanoCam LT wide-field digital imaging system. The neonates' birth weight, gestational age, gender, delivery mode, oxygen intake, and other conditions were recorded. We compared the incidence of ocular abnormalities in both full-term newborns and premature infants. Results . There were 23, 861 newborns in this study comprising 12, 605 (52.8%) male and 11, 256 (47.2%) female infants, 20, 938 full-term babies, and 2, 923 premature babies. The average gestational age was 37.9 ± 5.6 weeks, and the average birth weight was 3, 189 ± 417 g. Overall, we found ocular abnormalities in 6, 645 (27.8%). The most common abnormality in full-term newborns was retinal hemorrhage (RH), which we found in 3, 827 (18.3%) cases. Other diseases identified included familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), retinoblastoma (RB), and congenital cataracts. The delivery method had a significant impact on the incidence of neonatal RH (P < 0.001 ). Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was observed in 617 newborns accounting for 21.1% of all screened premature infants. Logistic analysis showed that gestational age and birth weight were important risk factors for ROP (P < 0.001 ). For treatable diseases, such as ROP, FEVR, congenital cataract, glaucoma, and RB, early identification allows for active treatment or referral to a specialized hospital for further treatment. Conclusion . Early examination and prompt treatment of ocular disorders in newborns are important to avoid lifelong visual impairment. Eye examinations should be performed during the neonatal period and at regular follow-up visits.