Differential effects of the retinopathy of prematurity exam on the physiology of premature infants

Objective To compare the differential effects of the retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) examination on the physiology of premature infants with and without oxygen support. Study Design We collected data from 42 premature infants (room air = 19, oxygen support = 23) and compared physiological metrics including heart rate (HR), systemic peripheral saturation (SpO 2 ), mesenteric tissue oxygen saturation (StO 2 ) and clinical events (oxygen desaturation episodes, bradycardia events, and gastric residuals). Results We found significant differences between groups in HR during and briefly after the exam, and in mesenteric StO 2, during eye drop administration, eye exam, and up to 8 min after the exam. SpO 2 was significantly different between the groups at all time points. Gastric residuals were higher after the exam in infants on oxygen support, compared to baseline. Conclusion Premature infants on oxygen support may be at a higher risk of adverse physiologic effects in response to the ROP exam.