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New insights in diagnosis and treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity
Linda A Cernichiaro-Espinosa1, Francisco J Olguin-Manriquez1, Andree Henaine-Berra1
1Retina Department, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, México, DF, Mexico.
Insights
This review examines Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) diagnosis and treatment. Advances like anti-VEGF therapy and telemedicine offer improved outcomes for premature infants, reducing visual disability.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) affects premature infants.
- Current diagnostic and treatment strategies are evolving.
- Global research on ROP management is expanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current perspectives on Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) diagnosis and treatment.
- To systematically review global research on ROP.
- To propose a management algorithm based on expert experience.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of online and print research.
- Analysis of current diagnostic tools like fluorescein angiography and SD-OCT.
- Evaluation of therapeutic interventions including anti-VEGF therapy and laser.
Main Results:
- Early Treatment for ROP (ETROP) classification is standard.
- Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy shows efficacy in proliferative ROP.
- Telemedicine is expanding access to ROP care in remote areas.
Conclusions:
- Advances in imaging and therapy are shaping ROP definitions and treatment.
- Anti-VEGF therapy is effective, but combination therapy is debated.
- Effective ROP management significantly reduces visual disability and improves long-term outcomes.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to review current perspectives on diagnosis and treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). We performed a systematic review of how much has been produced in research published online and on print regarding ROP in different settings around the world. Early Treatment for ROP (ETROP) classification is the currently accepted classification of ROP. Fluorescein angiography and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) may eventually lead to changes in the definition of ROP, and as a consequence, they will serve as a guide for treatment. Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy has proven to be more effective in terms of lowering recurrence, allowing growth of the peripheral retina, and diminishing the incidence of retinal detachment when proliferative ROP is diagnosed. Whether anti-VEGF plus laser are better than any of these therapies separately remains a subject of discussion. Telemedicine is evolving everyday to allow access to remote areas that do not count with a retina specialist for treatment. A management algorithm is proposed according to our reference center experience. ROP is an evolving subject, with a vulnerable population of study that, once treated with good results, leads to a reduction in visual disability and in consequence, in a lifetime improvement.
