H Mactier1, R Hamilton, M S Bradnam, T L Turner, J Dudgeon. 1. Department of Child Health, Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Queen Mother's Hospital, Yorkhill NHS Trust and University of Glasgow, Glasgow G3 8SJ, Scotland, UK. HelenMactier@hotmail.com
Abstract
AIM: To assess the feasibility of using a contact lens electrode to record the electroretinogram (ERG) in preterm infants less than 35 weeks after conception. METHODS: The ERG was recorded from seven very low birthweight preterm infants on a total of 14 occasions using an infant monkey contact lens electrode. Age at recording the first ERG ranged from 23 to 51 days (gestational age 32-34 weeks), and weight ranged upwards from 1100 g. RESULTS: No complications were observed. With advancing age and maturity the dark adapted rod threshold decreased, indicating increased retinal sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Contact lens recording of the ERG from extremely small immature preterm infants is a practicable and well tolerated procedure. This method of recording the ERG will enable further evaluation of retinal development in this vulnerable population.
AIM: To assess the feasibility of using a contact lens electrode to record the electroretinogram (ERG) in preterm infants less than 35 weeks after conception. METHODS: The ERG was recorded from seven very low birthweight preterm infants on a total of 14 occasions using an infant monkey contact lens electrode. Age at recording the first ERG ranged from 23 to 51 days (gestational age 32-34 weeks), and weight ranged upwards from 1100 g. RESULTS: No complications were observed. With advancing age and maturity the dark adapted rod threshold decreased, indicating increased retinal sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Contact lens recording of the ERG from extremely small immature preterm infants is a practicable and well tolerated procedure. This method of recording the ERG will enable further evaluation of retinal development in this vulnerable population.
Authors: K A Kennedy; M A Ipson; D G Birch; J E Tyson; J L Anderson; S Nusinowitz; L West; R Spencer; E E Birch Journal: Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed Date: 1997-05 Impact factor: 5.747