Retinal Hemorrhages in Newborn Infants

ABSTRACT

In newoborn infants, we can find the retinal hemorrhage, hyphema, vitreous hemorrhage, cataract, iridodialysis, choroidal rupture, lens dislocation and the injuries to the conjunctiva and lid due to birth injury. We studied the frequency, influencing factors, shape and absorption period of retinal hemorrhages in newborn infants by the following method. The 152 newborn infants that were delivered at the obstetric department of S.C.H. college hospital from May 25th '80 to June 29th '80 are examined with direct ophthalmscope after instillation of 1% mydriacyl solution. Fundus eyamination was done within 24 hour after delivery, 3rd day, 2nd week, and 3rd week. 1) The retinal hemorrhage is seen in 19.1% of newborn infant. 2) Bilaterality is over 55%. 3) Frequency is higher in primipara than in multipara and higher in over 30 years old mother and vaccum deliveries. 4) The retinal hemorrhages are absorpted about 1/2 of cases within 3 days and almost within 3 weeks.