Retinal hemorrhages in the preterm neonate. A prospective randomized study comparing the occurrence of hemorrhages after spontaneous versus forceps delivery

Abstract

The incidence and magnitude of retinal hemorrhages (RH) in a group of 23 preterm infants (29-35 weeks) born spontaneously in vertex presentation have been compared with those of 23 others (28-35 weeks) born by gentle extraction with small forceps. Distribution to the groups was random. The overall frequency of RH in both groups together was low, 6%, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. No fundi with severe (grade III) hemorrhages were seen. Both the incidence and magnitude of RH were less in the preterm neonates when compared with previously reported figures in term infants born spontaneously or with forceps extraction. The study provides further evidence in support of the hypothesis that fetal head compression with venous congestion is the main cause of RH in the newborn.