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Retinopathy of prematurity in southern Finland
1Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects 17.4% of premature infants, especially the most immature. Cryocoagulation treatment for ROP 3 with plus disease effectively prevents blindness in these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Premature infants face significant risks of vision impairment.
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of blindness in preterm infants.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing ROP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of ROP in a cohort of premature infants.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of cryocoagulation treatment for severe ROP.
- To identify risk factors associated with ROP development.
Main Methods:
- Ophthalmological examinations were conducted on 138 premature infants born between 1989-1991.
- Infants with ROP stage 3 and plus disease received bilateral cryocoagulation.
- Gestational age and birth weight were recorded to assess risk factors.
Main Results:
- Twenty-four infants (17.4%) were diagnosed with ROP.
- ROP incidence was highest among the most immature infants (mean gestational age 27.3 weeks, mean birth weight 986g).
- Seven infants with severe ROP received cryocoagulation, with only one case of blindness.
Conclusions:
- ROP is a significant risk in premature infants, particularly those with very low gestational age and birth weight.
- Cryocoagulation is an effective treatment for preventing blindness in cases of ROP 3 with plus disease.
- Continued monitoring and timely intervention are essential for managing ROP in neonatal intensive care units.
Abstract:
138 premature infants born 1989-1991 have been examined by the ophthalmologist in Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki. The mean gestational age was 27.3 weeks and the mean birth weight 986 grams. Twenty-four cases of ROP were found. Seven of them got cryocoagulation treatment in both eyes for ROP 3 with plus disease. Only one child became blind. The risk to get ROP was 17.4% in the whole material and was highest among the most immature infants. The cryocoagulation treatment appeared an effective therapy to prevent blindness.