Clinical course and systemic correlates of retinopathy of prematurity in quintuplets.

Abstract

We studied clinical correlates of retinopathy of prematurity in four surviving quintuplets with similar low birth weights and gestational age of 27 weeks. Prospective serial ophthalmoscopic examinations and retrospective chart analysis were used. Retinopathy of prematurity varied among the neonates from stage 2 with total regression to threshold progressing to retinal detachment. Severity of eye disease correlated with duration of mechanical ventilation and of parenteral nutrition, as well as frequency of hypoglycemia and of hypercapnia. Poor outcome correlated inversely with weight gain.