title: The Evaluation of Red Reflex Sensitivity and Specificity Test among Neonates in Different Conditions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Red reflex test is an effective screening tool in the early diagnosis of neonatal eye abnormalities. The aim of this study was to detect the sensitivity and specificity of red reflex assessment in neonates, performed by pediatricians (or other care providers) in comparison with ophthalmologists. Also association between red reflex findings and neonatal variables is evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  By a prospective study all neonates born from July 2011 until March 2012 in Mustafa Hospital, a general teaching hospital in Ilam city, Iran, were evaluated. Neonates were firstly investigated by pediatrician in substandard conditions at the first day of birth and several days later by ophthalmologist in standard conditions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Totally 255 neonates including 141 boys and 114 girls were investigated, 144 of whom were born by cesarean section. There was a significant relationship between method of childbirth (72.9% disorders in CS vs 56.8% in vaginal delivery (P<0.007)), duration of delivery (disorders in prolonged: 100% and 11.8% vs no prolonged: 56.8% and 6.3% in standard and non standard conditions respectively (P<0.0001)), difficult delivery (98.6% disorders vs 6.5% in standard and non standard conditions respectively (P<0.01)) and increase or decrease of red reflex sensitivity test. A significant difference (identification of ophthalmic problems) was seen among neonates' inspections in primary hours and substandard conditions compared to further inspections in standard conditions particularly from 3(rd) day of birth.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Due to a considerable difference between the results of ophthalmic examination of neonates in different conditions, red reflex examination by pediatricians is suggested for all neonates to early identification of ophthalmic problems at the first step. It is also suggested a red reflex screening for all neonates before being discharged from hospital as well as 6 weeks later and in case of any problem to be referred to ophthalmologist.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz.
authors.forename: Mirhadi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mussavi
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology.
authors.forename: Khairollah
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Asadollahi
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology.
authors.forename: Farhad
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Janbaz
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam.
authors.forename: Esmaiil
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mansoori
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Nasser
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Abbasi
keywords: Neonates; Ophthalmic Disorders; Red Reflex