Subconjunctival hemorrhage in the newborn: Experience of a tertiary care hospital

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the incidence and characteristics of newborns with subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH).

Methods: In our study, patient files of term infants referred to the study hospital's ophthalmology clinic in 2018-19 were analyzed. Demographic data of infants including gestational week, birth weight, gender, and head circumference were all recorded. The frequency of SCH detection was evaluated depending on delivery type. Demographic data of infants with and without retinal hemorrhage (RH) were compared.

Results: A total of 172 eyes of 86 infants were included in study. Forty-two (48.8%) of 86 neonates were male, and 44 (51.2%) were female. Mean gestational week was 38.62±1.1. SCH was detected in 31.4% (27) in the right eye, 36% (31) in the left eye, and 32.6% (28) in both eyes. The diagnosis was made at the mean of 3.74 days (range 1-20). Mean birth weight was found as 3621.1±453.3 g, head circumference as 35.4±1.3 cm, height as 50.7±2 cm, and chest circumference as 33.6±1.4 cm. Mean Apgar score in 1^st min was 7.1±0.4; 5^th min was 9. About 11.6% (10) of the mothers were nulliparous, and 88.4% (76) were multiparous. It was found that 79 of the deliveries were vaginal and seven with cesarean section. RH was not detected in any of the infants born with cesarean section.

Conclusion: SCH and RH were more common in infants born vaginally. If SCH is detected, a fundus examination should be performed to not miss possible RH.