INCREASED MORBIDITY IN LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (LBW) SURVIVORS WITH STAGE III-IV RETROLENTAL FIBROPLASIA (RLF)

Abstract

14 of 645 (2.2%) of ICU survivors with a birth weight (b.w.) ≤1500 gm. cared for in the ICU between 1975 and 1981 were identified as having Stage III to IV RLF in 1 or both eyes. The RLF survivors and 14 controls (C) matched for b.w. (±200 gm.) have been followed for up to 7 yrs. There were no differences between RLF and C in b.w. (985±226 vs 999±214 gm.); gest. (28±1 vs 28±2 wks.), Hollingshead SES (28±13 vs 29±8), or multiple neonatal risk factors. The only sig. diff. was in prolonged O₂ requirements (>2 wks.) 13 of 14 RLF vs 7 of 14 C infants (p <.025). As shown in the table below, the RLF survivors had lower IQ's, ↑incidence of neurologic abnormality (Ab), ↑hospitalizations, ↑requirements for early intervention (E.I.) and ↑need for special education (Sp. Ed.). A trend for ↑stress was also observed in the mother's adapted Life Experience Survey (p<.05), and ↑family unit breakdown (57% vs 28%).

We conclude that LBW RLF survivors require multi-disciplinary care after discharge from the ICU, and social support services should be implemented in anticipation of greater family unit disruption.

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