Perinatal oxygen therapy is a risk factor for which neonatal condition?

• A. Retinopathy of prematurity
• B. Cerebral palsy
• C. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• D. Hearing loss

Answer: (A)

High oxygen levels in very preterm infants can disrupt normal retinal vessel development. In an immature retina, hyperoxia causes vessels to constrict and stop growing, creating an avascular area. When oxygen exposure or oxygen tension fluctuates, the retina responds with abnormal, fragile neovascularization. These delicate vessels can bleed and scar, potentially leading to retinal detachment and vision loss. This is retinopathy of prematurity, a classic risk associated with perinatal oxygen therapy in preterm babies. While oxygen exposure is also linked to bronchopulmonary dysplasia and prematurity-related brain or hearing injuries can occur, the strongest and most well-known direct connection of oxygen therapy is with retinopathy of prematurity.