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Retinopathy of prematurity: a study
L Gopal1, T Sharma, S Ramachandran
1Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Madras.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects 38% of low birth weight infants. Therapeutic interventions like laser photocoagulation and cryopexy showed favorable outcomes in all treated eyes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Early detection and management are crucial for preventing severe visual outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of ROP in low birth weight infants.
- To evaluate the occurrence of threshold ROP and the outcomes of therapeutic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Fifty infants with birth weight less than 2000 gm were screened for ROP using binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy.
- Threshold ROP was identified, and therapeutic interventions were administered to affected eyes.
Main Results:
- ROP incidence was 38% (19 out of 50 infants).
- Threshold ROP was observed in 16 eyes, with notable cases occurring at 1600 gm birth weight and without oxygen administration.
- Ten eyes received treatment (laser photocoagulation or cryopexy), while 6 did not due to parental consent issues.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic interventions for ROP, including laser photocoagulation and cryopexy, resulted in favorable outcomes in all treated eyes.
- The study highlights the importance of screening and timely intervention for ROP in premature infants.
Abstract:
A total of 50 infants of less than 2000 gm birth weight were screened for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. The incidence of ROP was found in 19 patients (38%). Of these, 8 patients (16 eyes) had threshold disease. Significantly, occurrence of threshold ROP was seen in both 1600 gm birth weight in one infant and in the absence of oxygen administration in 2 infants. Ten of the 16 eyes underwent therapeutic intervention while 6 eyes did not receive treatment for lack of consent from the parents. The treatment consisted of indirect laser photocoagulation (8 eyes) and transconjunctival cryopexy (2 eyes). Good regression of the disease (favourable outcome) was noted in all the treated eyes.