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Published on: April 2, 2021
[Spontaneous regression of the retinopathy of prematurity]
1Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
Insights
Most retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) cases, over 70%, regress spontaneously. Understanding ROP regression characteristics aids in developing effective screening and prevention strategies for this leading cause of childhood blindness.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatal care
- Public health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of childhood blindness globally.
- Effective screening and treatment of severe ROP are crucial for prevention.
- A substantial proportion of ROP cases undergo spontaneous regression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively investigate the characteristics of spontaneous ROP regression.
- To deepen the understanding of the natural course of retinopathy of prematurity.
- To inform the development of improved ROP screening and prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature.
- Analysis of epidemic characteristics of ROP regression.
- Evaluation of clinical features, time course, and related factors of ROP regression.
- Assessment of visual impairment associated with ROP regression.
Main Results:
- Over 70% of retinopathy of prematurity cases exhibit spontaneous regression.
- Detailed analysis of epidemiological and clinical factors influencing ROP regression.
- Understanding the temporal dynamics and outcomes of ROP regression.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous regression is a common outcome in retinopathy of prematurity.
- Characterizing ROP regression is vital for optimizing screening protocols.
- Insights from ROP regression can lead to more targeted and efficient interventions, reducing childhood blindness.
Abstract:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has become the leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide. It is the key point of ROP prevention and treatment to screen out and deal with severe ROP that require treatment. However, more than 70% ROP regressed spontaneously without treatment. It is useful in deeply understanding the natural course of ROP and is helpful to develop strategies of ROP screening and prevention, that the characteristics of spontaneous regression of ROP are investigated comprehensively. The epidemic characteristics, clinical features, time course, related factors and visual impairment of ROP regression will be systematically summarized in this review.(Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 150-155).
