Outcomes of Pre-Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (Pre-ETROP)

Yothin Titawattanakul1, Kittisak Kulvichit1, Adisai Varadisai1

  • 1Vitreo-retina Research Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Insights

Early treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) significantly reduces unfavorable outcomes and increases regression. Pre-early treatment for stage 3 ROP is associated with better results and fewer recurrences.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity Research

Background:

  • Early intervention in stage 3 Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is crucial for optimal outcomes.
  • Investigating the benefits of pre-early treatment versus early treatment for ROP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess unfavorable outcomes and regression rates following pre-early treatment for ROP.
  • To evaluate ROP progression and recurrence requiring retreatment after pre-early intervention.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of infant ROP cases from January 2009 to January 2014.
  • Comparison of outcomes between pre-early treatment (pre-ETROP) and early treatment (ETROP) groups for stage 3 ROP.
  • Outcomes included unfavorable outcomes, regression, progression, and recurrence requiring retreatment.

Main Results:

  • No unfavorable outcomes were observed in the pre-ETROP group (n=63) compared to 21.43% in the ETROP group (n=28).
  • Regression rates were 100% with laser LIO alone in the pre-ETROP group versus 88.46% in the ETROP group.
  • Recurrence (7.14%) and progression (10.71%) were observed in the ETROP group, but not in the pre-ETROP group.

Conclusions:

  • Pre-early treatment for stage 3 ROP effectively reduces unfavorable outcomes and enhances regression.
  • This approach also appears to decrease the recurrence of neovascularization and post-treatment progression of ROP.
Abstract