Abstract
Exchange transfusion (ET) in preterm infants decreases Hb-O2 affinity and theoretically might enhance the development of RLF. We followed 62 infants ≥ 1500 gm. with repeated fundoscopic examinations by indirect ophthalmoscopy. They were divided into 2 groups: Group I consisted of 22 infants ≥ 1000 gm. of whom 14 were exchanged, and Group II consisted of 40 infants 1001-1500 gm. of whom 16 were exchanged. In Group I (mean O2 therapy 1118 hrs.), there was no difference in incidence of proliferative RLF between exchanged (79%) and non-exchanged infants (88%) (p > .9). In Group II, those infants with ≥ 120 hrs. exposure to O2 therapy (n=20) showed no significant difference in incidence of RLF between exchanged (0%) and non-exchanged infants (22%) (p > .45). In Group II, those infants with > 120 hrs. O2 therapy (n=20) showed no significant difference in incidence of RLF between exchanged and non-exchanged infants. In infants < 29 wks. gestation exposed to > 120 hrs. O2 therapy (n=22) there was no significant difference in incidence of RLF in exchanged (73%) and non-exchanged infants (88%) (p > .85), nor was there a significant difference in infants ≥ 29 wks. gestation exposed to > 120 hrs. O2 therapy (n=19) between exchanged (92%) and non-exchanged (72%) infants (p > .45). These data indicate that the occurrence of RLF is unrelated to ET when infants are matched for birth weight, gestational age, and duration of O2 therapy.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sacks, L., Schaffer, D., Peckham, G. et al. 1019 EXCHANGE TRANSFUSION AND RETROLENTAL FIBROPLASIA (RLF) - LACK OF CAUSE AND EFFECT. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 533 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-01025
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-01025
