Hemorrhagic retinopathy in newborns: frequency, form of presentation, associated factors and significance.

During the first 72 hours of their lives, 420 neonates were checked for retinal hemorrhages and macular affection. The neonate's gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar scores and maternal data (nulliparty, fetal presentation, duration of labor and delivery, induction of labor and obstetric technique) were all recorded. In 81 cases (19.2%), retinal hemorrhages were found. No significant relation was established with any of the associated factors, except for a significantly lower frequency of hemorrhages in cases of cesarean delivery (p < 0.01) and a significantly longer expulsive phase in the group with hemorrhages (p < 0.05). In follow-up examination 3 to 4 months later, neither the infants with hemorrhages nor the control group presented alterations.