A retrospective analysis on the incidence and treatment outcomes of retinopathy of prematurity among extremely preterm infants

Abstract

Objective To analyze the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity(ROP)among extremely preterm infants, and to evaluate the treatment methods and effects among those with severe ROP. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed to analyze incidence of ROP in 96 cases of extremely preterm infants who were born at a gestational age of <28 weeks and survived beyond a postmenstrual age of at least 1 year from Apr 2006 to Oct 2013, and to analyze the treatment outcomes of photocoagulation and ranibizumab intravitreal injection among the infants with severe ROP. Results Fifty-six of 96 cases(58.33%)grew into ROP finally and 21 cases(21.88%)grew into severe ROP, 2 cases(2.08%)grew into aggressive posterior ROP.Fifteen cases with severe ROP were treated with laser photocoagulation.Four cases with severe ROP were received ranibizumab intravitreal injection prior to photocoagulation.Two cases with severe ROP were only treated with ranibizumab intravitreal injection.The eyesight of 96 patients(100%)in this study were all preserved. Conclusion ROP screening should focus on extremely preterm infants because of higher incidence of ROP and severe ROP among them.The infants with severe ROP should be treated with laser photocoagulation in time.The infants in critical condition or with aggressive posterior ROP can be treated with ranibizumab injection. Key words: Extremely preterm infant; Retinopathy of prematurity; Photocoagulopathy; Antibody of vascular endothelial growth factors