[Modern perspective on the problem of retinopathy of prematurity]

Vestnik Oftalmologii
|February 27, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Retinopathy of prematurity (RP) management requires new approaches due to increased survival of premature infants. This review analyzes current RP understanding, treatment, and long-term outcomes for improved patient quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neonatology
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Retinopathy of prematurity (RP) remains a significant challenge in neonatal eye care.
  • Increasing survival rates of extremely premature infants alter the landscape of RP incidence and severity.
  • Understanding the pathogenesis and clinical spectrum of active and regressive RP is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the current state of retinopathy of prematurity (RP).
  • To review international and Russian advances in RP pathogenesis, clinical presentation, treatment, and prognosis.
  • To highlight the need for novel treatment strategies based on pathogenetic insights.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive review of international and Russian ophthalmology literature.
  • Analysis of multicenter studies on RP treatment and prognosis.
  • Discussion of clinical outcomes, late complications, and associated pathologies in RP patients.

Main Results:

  • Significant changes in the survival range of premature newborns necessitate updated management strategies.
  • Current understanding encompasses both active and regressive forms of RP.
  • Multicenter studies provide insights into effective treatment protocols and prognostic factors.

Conclusions:

  • There is a growing need for advanced, pathogenetic-based treatment approaches for retinopathy of prematurity.
  • The wide spectrum of RP outcomes, including late complications and comorbidities, significantly impacts long-term visual function and quality of life.
  • Continued research is essential to optimize the care and improve the long-term prognosis for infants affected by RP.