Retinal examinations in infants after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

BACKGROUND

Ophthalmic examinations performed in infants undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are recommended because ocular abnormalities have been known to occur after this procedure.

METHODS

We reviewed medical records of infants treated with ECMO was subsequently underwent routine ophthalmic examination prior to or immediately after hospital discharge. Examinations were performed in a fashion similar to that for retinopathy of prematurity screening.

RESULTS

Eye examinations were recorded for 171 patients (342 eyes). Fundus examination was normal in 302 eyes (88%). Abnormal retinovascular findings such as venous dilation or intraretinal hemorrhages, when present, were not considered vision threatening and required no treatment.

CONCLUSION

Clinically important retinal findings were not identified in our patients undergoing postECMO screening. Routine dilated fundus examination is probably not cost effective and places additional and potentially unnecessary stress on these infants.