Management of retinopathy of prematurity with cryotherapy
A Gezer1, F Sezen, I Serifoğlu
1University of Istanbul, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Turkey. agezer@doctor4u.com
Insights
Early screening and cryotherapy can effectively treat retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in newborns. This study highlights low birth weight and short gestational age as key risk factors for ROP, with cryotherapy showing promising results.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal ophthalmology
- Perinatal medicine
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant concern in premature infants.
- Low birth weight and short gestational age are primary risk factors for ROP development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficiency of cryotherapy in treating stage III ROP.
- To emphasize the importance of early screening for ROP in at-risk newborns.
Main Methods:
- Examined 125 newborns before hospital discharge and post-oxygen therapy.
- Monitored patients with suspected ROP through frequent follow-up visits.
- Performed cryotherapy for stage III ROP characterized by retinal ridge and extraretinal proliferation.
Main Results:
- Ten newborns presented with stage III ROP.
- Eight of ten treated patients showed regression of ROP.
- Two patients progressed to stage IV ROP despite cryoablation.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of ROP are achievable with planned screening protocols.
- Cryotherapy demonstrates effectiveness in ablating ROP-related proliferation.
Purpose:
Newborns at risk for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) should be examined 4 to 8 weeks postpartum. Various treatment modalities including cryotherapy, are proposed to ablate the retinal proliferation, when serious and progressive ROP is detected. This study stresses as main risk factors low birth weight and short gestational age as pre-disposing to ROP and the efficiency of cryotherapy as a treatment modality.
Methods:
One hundred and twenty five newborns were examined before hospital discharge and after oxygen administration was terminated. Patients with suspected ROP returned for frequent follow-up visits. In patients with stage III ROP (ridge with extraretinal fibrovascular proliferation) ablation by cryotherapy was performed.
Results:
Retinal ridge and extraretinal proliferation characteristic of stage III ROP were detected in ten newborns. All surviving stage III patients were treated with cryoablation and two of them progressed to stage IV. Regression of ROP was observed in eight of the ten treated cases.
Conclusions:
With properly planned screening of newborns at risk for ROP, early diagnosis and treatment are possible. Cryotherapy seems to be effective for ablation of the proliferation.
