Retinopathy of prematurity

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Ophthalmology
• Perinatal Care

Background:

• Premature infants born at or before 30 weeks' gestation or weighing 1500g or less undergo screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
• Despite updated neonatal intensive care unit supplemental oxygen guidelines, severe ROP incidence persists.
• The increasing survival rates of extremely premature and low-birth-weight infants contribute to ROP remaining a critical neonatal health issue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the current understanding and management of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in high-risk premature infants.
• To highlight the ongoing challenges and evolving treatment strategies for ROP.

Main Methods:

• Review of current screening protocols for ROP in premature infants.
• Analysis of the impact of supplemental oxygen guidelines on ROP incidence.
• Examination of established and emerging therapeutic interventions for ROP.

Main Results:

• ROP screening is standard for very premature and low-birth-weight infants.
• While oxygen guidelines have reduced ROP, it remains prevalent due to increased survival of vulnerable infants.
• Retinal photocoagulation is a standard treatment, with intraocular bevacizumab injections gaining traction as monotherapy or adjunct therapy.

Conclusions:

• Prematurity and low birth weight are primary drivers of ROP, necessitating continued vigilance.
• ROP remains a significant challenge in neonatal care, despite advances in management.
• Current and novel treatment modalities, including bevacizumab, offer therapeutic options for threshold ROP.