Weekly weight measurements can accurately predict which preterm babies are likely to develop retinopathy of prematurity, a potentially blinding condition that requires treatment, according to study findings in the journal Pediatrics.

The results show that both a low birthweight and a slowdown in weight gain increase the risk of the disease.

Retinopathy of prematurity, which often develops within weeks after birth, causes excess blood vessels to spread throughout the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye. This overgrowth may result in reduced vision or even blindness.

This study, Dr. Ann Hellström told Reuters Health, shows that through simple weight testing it is possible to identify infants who are at risk for developing retinopathy of prematurity.

“This gives us possibilities to undertake measures to optimize weight development in these fragile infants and possibly prevent sight-threatening retinopathy of prematurity,” added Hellström, who is a professor of pediatric ophthalmology at Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.

In their study of 354 premature infants, Hellström’s team found that by measuring weight on a weekly basis they could determine when a slowdown in weight gain had occurred. Infants with slowed weight gain were found to be at increased risk for retinopathy of prematurity.

Typically, infants must undergo a series of eye examinations to identify the roughly 1 in 10 with eye disease who would benefit from treatment. With weekly weight testing, the authors believe that these examinations, which are costly and stressful, could be avoided in many cases.

SOURCE: Pediatrics, April 2009.