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[Retinopathy of prematurity. Prevention, screening and treatment guidelines]
J R Castro Conde1, I Echániz Urcelay, F Botet Mussons
1Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife. jcastro@ull.es
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening lacks consistent criteria in Spain. This report provides evidence-based recommendations for ROP prevention, screening, treatment, and follow-up to standardize care.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Context:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening is a critical component of neonatal care in Spanish hospitals.
- Current practices for ROP screening exhibit significant variability in criteria and procedural aspects.
- A need exists for standardized guidelines to ensure consistent and effective ROP management.
Purpose:
- To establish evidence-based recommendations for the prevention, screening, treatment, and follow-up of retinopathy of prematurity in Spain.
- To harmonize ROP care protocols across Spanish healthcare facilities.
- To provide a comprehensive review of current literature and international guidelines.
Summary:
- This review synthesizes the latest scientific evidence and guidelines from prominent organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the UK's updated recommendations.
- Recommended prevention strategies align with optimal neonatal care practices.
- Screening standards are defined by specific parameters: birth weight (≤1,500 g), gestational age (≤32 weeks), and clinical course instability.
Impact:
- Implementation of these recommendations aims to improve the standardization and quality of ROP screening and management in Spain.
- Consistent application of guidelines can lead to better outcomes for premature infants at risk of ROP.
- This initiative supports the development of organized ROP service delivery models.
Abstract:
ROP screening is carried out at all the Spanish hospitals, but there is little agreement on the criteria used for its screening and other aspects related to its practice. Our aim is to report on recommendations for prevention, screening, treatment and follow-up of the retinopathy of prematurity in Spain. Prevention strategies and recommendations for screening, exploration and treatment of ROP, as well as of the organisation of the services to carry out it are reviewed. The most recent bibliography on the basis of the scientific evidence is considered, taking as reference, the guidelines published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2006 and the recommendations updated in 2007 in the United Kingdom. The recommended prevention strategies are based on the best neonatal practice. The standards, as far as the screening is concerned, are established by birth weight (< or =1,500 g), gestational age (< or =32 weeks) and unstable neonatal clinical course. Indirect ophthalmoscopy is the standard technique for exploration and laser therapy the treatment of choice.
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