Retrolental fibroplasia hazard: which statement is correct?

• A. It is minimized if PaO2 is kept below 80 mmHg
• B. It occurs at all oxygen levels
• C. ABGs are not useful
• D. It is never preventable

Answer: (A)

Oxygen management in very preterm infants directly affects the risk of retinopathy of prematurity. The retinal vessels in these babies are immature, and exposure to high oxygen tension disrupts their normal development. When PaO2 is elevated, retinal vessel growth is suppressed and later hypoxia drives abnormal, fragile neovascularization that can lead to retinal detachment and vision loss. By keeping PaO2 below about 80 mmHg, you reduce the hyperoxic stress that initiates this cascade, lowering the chance of retrolental fibroplasia while still meeting the infant’s broader oxygen needs. In practice, clinicians aim for a safe, middle range of oxygenation rather than allowing either excessive oxygen or too little, to protect both systemic health and the retina. ABGs are useful for precisely monitoring oxygenation and acid-base status, so the statement that ABGs aren’t useful isn’t accurate. And retinopathy of prematurity is not inherently unavoidable; it’s preventable with careful oxygen control and appropriate screening and management.