Abstract
Previous studies have shown a good correlation between appearance of the TVL at birth and gestational age in 27-34 week premature infants. We studied the effect of postnatal age on the rate of regression of the TVL in premature infants to asssess whether this occurred at a similar rate to that occurring in utero.
Fifty-eight premature infants were enrolled into the study. Gestational age was estimated using the method described by Ballard. Lens examination was by direct ophthalmoscopy within 36 hrs of birth and then on a weekly basis. Regression of the TVL was graded according to the system described by Hittner; Grade IV being the most immature (vascularity covering virtually the entire anterior surface of the lens) to Grade I (vascular regression to a point at which only occasional vessels are visualized).
Results were analysed and compared according to postconceptional age. No significant differences were found in the rate of disappearance of the TVL when infants were studied at equivalent postconceptional ages irrespective of postnatal age. Thus, premature delivery was not associated with accelerated regression of the TVL. These findings may be useful in assessing gestational age of a preterm infant who has not had an assessment of gestational age within the first days after birth or who is transferred to a high care center beyond the stage when other gestational aging systems are considered reliable.
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Skapinker, R., Rothberg, A. ONTOGENY OF THE TUNICA VASCULOSA LENTIS (TVL). Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 221 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00332
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00332