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Although it would not necessarily change the outcome, I wonder if a routine standardised baby check would have picked up the absence of red (corneal) reflexes earlier?
However, living in another country where baby check (ref 1) and bloodspot test screening (ref 2) have been an expected part of healthcare for most newborn infants for more than 40 years, it is hard for me to determine if these services are accessible to all in China, although there are indications they are becoming more common in certain regions (ref 3).
Although persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) is a rare diagnosis, this case reminds us the value of eye examination for red reflex (ref 4) in a baby check.
A simple routine eye check for a not-so-routine condition
Dear Editors
Although it would not necessarily change the outcome, I wonder if a routine standardised baby check would have picked up the absence of red (corneal) reflexes earlier?
However, living in another country where baby check (ref 1) and bloodspot test screening (ref 2) have been an expected part of healthcare for most newborn infants for more than 40 years, it is hard for me to determine if these services are accessible to all in China, although there are indications they are becoming more common in certain regions (ref 3).
Although persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) is a rare diagnosis, this case reminds us the value of eye examination for red reflex (ref 4) in a baby check.
Reference:
1. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/MCFhealth/Publications/blue-b...
2. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/MCFhealth/Publications/new-bo...
3. https://www.figo.org/news/beijing-babies-receive-health-screening
4. https://www.nationalwomenshealth.adhb.govt.nz/assets/Womens-health/Docum...
Competing interests: No competing interests