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Published on: April 2, 2021
[Features of retinopathy of prematurity, progressing as "plus-disease"]
Insights
Plus-disease, a severe retinopathy of prematurity, affects 7% of extremely premature infants. Early detection and combined cryo-laser treatment can halt its progression in 75% of cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Medicine
Context:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) poses a significant threat to extremely premature infants.
- Plus-disease is a severe, rapidly progressing form of ROP, observed in 7% of high-risk neonates.
- Characterized by specific fundus changes, rapid progression, and pupillary abnormalities.
Purpose:
- To define the diagnostic criteria for plus-disease in retinopathy of prematurity.
- To establish optimal ophthalmological examination intervals for early detection.
- To evaluate the efficacy of combined cryo- and laser coagulation for treating plus-disease.
Summary:
- Plus-disease presents with specific retinal vascular changes, hemorrhages, and rapid progression within 3 days to 3 weeks.
- Prompt ophthalmological examinations every 2-3 days are crucial upon suspecting plus-disease.
- A combined cryo- and laser coagulation strategy targeting avascular zones and neovascularization shows promise in arresting disease progression.
Impact:
- Early identification and intervention can prevent severe visual impairment or blindness in premature infants.
- The combined treatment approach demonstrates a 75% success rate in halting the progression of plus-disease.
- This research contributes to improved management protocols for retinopathy of prematurity, enhancing long-term visual outcomes.
Abstract:
"Plus-disease" is a particular grave form of retinopathy of premature babies found in 7% of extremely premature and somatically loaded children. The following criteria are indicative of "plus-disease": location of pathological changes in the central zone of eye fundus (zone 1-2), marked vascular activity and hemorrhages in the center and on the periphery of the retina, pupil regidity, iris vasodilatation and fulminant (3 days-3 weeks) progression of the process from initial signs up to signs of extraretinal growth or exudative amotio retinae without forming premature stages typical for retinopathy (torus lines). Upon revealing the first signs of "plus-disease" ophthalmological examinations should be carried out with the interval of 2-3 days. To increase efficiency of preventive treatment it is recommended to use the combined procedure of cryo- and laser coagulation of avascular zones and a zone of vascular amostosis in appearance of extraretinal vascular growth, which makes it possible to arrest disease progression in 75% of cases.
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