Evaluation of visual functions in premature and term newborn: transcultural validation and implantation of a visual instrument

• Grant number: 19/09480-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: December 01, 2020
• End date: November 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Experimental Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Fernandes da Costa
• Grantee: Giovana Pascoali Rodovanski
• Host Institution: Instituto de Psicologia (IP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Prematurity has a negative impact on the developing visual system due to the interruption of the critical period of visual maturation. Early detection of possible visual changes in Newborns (NB) may help in the diagnosis of neurological and visual deficits. Considering the limited resources of Brazilian health, it is not feasible to use high cost tools for the evaluation of visual functions in NB in the services provided by the SUS and low income municipalities. In search of a tool that is easy to apply and financially viable, the Simplified Visual Functions Test (SVFT) was developed in Italy, which was able to evaluate the visual functions of NBs early, but does not present validation for the Brazilian population. Objectives: a) to verify the validity and reliability of SVFT in preterm and term neonates; and b) to evaluate and compare the visual functions of preterm and term newborns with up to 48 hours of life, at 40 weeks and in the third month of life. Methods: this was a simple, blind cross-sectional study to verify the applicability of the SVFT and to compare the development of the visual functions of NB. It will be held at the Hospital Regional Deputado Afonso Guizzo (HRA) located in the city of Araranguá, Santa Catarina and University Hospital of the University of São Paulo (HU-USP), São Paulo, capital. The preliminary and experimental version of the SVFT, the pilot study of the experimental version and the validity and reliability of the tool will be developed. In addition, comparisons of the visual function of preterm and term NB will be performed up to 48 hours after birth, upon completion of 40 weeks of corrected age and follow up at 3 months of age. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

RODOVANSKI, Giovana Pascoali. Battery of visual function tests of oculomotor behaviors: normative and comparative data from Brazilian premature and term infants. 2023. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Psicologia (IP/SBD) São Paulo.