Which of the following statements are true of ROP?
I.A higher than normal PaO₂ may cause ROP.
II.The PaO₂ is the critical factor in ROP, not the FIO₂ per se.
III.ROP may cause permanent blindness.
IV.The FIO₂ is the critical factor in ROP, not the PaO₂ per se.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

High arterial PO₂, especially in the premature infant, is dangerous. A higher than normal PaO₂ may cause retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), in which the retinal arteries of the infant's eyes constrict, possibly causing permanent blindness. The PaO₂ is the critical factor in ROP, not the FIO₂ per se. In other words, PaO₂ may be at dangerous levels at FIO₂ well below 0.50; likewise, PaO₂ may be in a safe range at FIO₂ greater than 0.50.

Which of the Following Statements Are True of ROP