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Visually impairing ROP in children born in Sweden 1975-89
1Department of Ophthalmology, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in visually impaired children is better predicted by gestational age than birthweight. Early detection and intervention are crucial, especially when the retina is not yet detached.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in children.
- Understanding risk factors and outcomes is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for visual dysfunction in children with ROP.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of vitreoretinal surgery for ROP.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 61 children with ROP born between 1975-1989.
- Assessment of birthweight, gestational age, visual acuity, and additional handicaps.
- Review of surgical outcomes for vitreoretinal procedures.
Main Results:
- Sixty children had a gestational age of 30 weeks or less; 41 had visual acuity <= 0.05.
- Birthweight > 1460g was associated with blindness in 4 out of 6 children.
- Vitreoretinal surgery failed to restore vision when the retina was totally detached preoperatively.
Conclusions:
- Gestational age is a more reliable indicator for ROP risk than birthweight.
- Vitreoretinal surgery is less effective in cases of total retinal detachment.
Abstract:
Among all children registered at the two educational resource centres in Sweden for visually impaired, we found 61 children with ROP causing their visual dysfunction, born 1975-89. Six children had a birthweight exceeding 1460 g, four of these were educationally blind. Sixty children had a gestational age of 30 weeks or less, one child had a gestational age of 31 weeks. Forty-one children had a visual acuity < or = 0.05 while 20 had visual acuity of 0.06-0.3 in the best eye. Twenty-four children had additional handicaps. Seven blind children had developed autistic features. Vitreoretinal surgery had been performed in 27 children. When the retina preoperatively was totally detached surgery failed to restore useful vision. We conclude that it is safer to define the risk group for ROP by gestational age than by birthweight. If the retina already is totally detached it seems advisable to refrain from vitreoretinal surgery.