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Auckland regional telemedicine retinopathy of prematurity screening network: A 10‐year review
Author(s) -
Simkin Samantha K.,
Misra Stuti L.,
Han Jina V.,
McGhee Charles N. J.,
Dai Shuan
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
clinical and experimental ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.3
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1442-9071
pISSN - 1442-6404
DOI - 10.1111/ceo.13593
Subject(s) - retinopathy of prematurity , medicine , gestational age , pediatrics , birth weight , telemedicine , childhood blindness , blinding , intensive care , pregnancy , intensive care medicine , randomized controlled trial , health care , genetics , economic growth , economics , biology
Abstract Importance Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding condition affecting the retinae of premature infants. Effective screening is necessary for timely treatment. Background The Auckland Regional Telemedicine ROP (ART‐ROP) network, utilizes wide‐field digital imaging for ROP screening. This study reviews the ART‐ROP network. Design Retrospective analysis of the ART‐ROP database. Participants Files of infants in ART‐ROP from 2006 to 2015. Methods Data on infant demographics, ROP stage, treatment and outcome was collected. Main Outcome Measures The efficacy of ART‐ROP in the management of ROP. Results A review of 1181 infants across three neonatal intensive care units, was completed. Infants had a mean of four screening sessions with no infants who met ROP screening criteria being missed. Type 1 ROP was present in 83 infants, who had significantly lower average birth weight 786 ± 191 g compared to 1077 ± 285 g ( P < .001), and gestational age 25.3 ± 1.7 weeks compared to 27.8 ± 2.2 weeks ( P < .001) than the screened cohort. The number of infants requiring screening increased ( R 2 = .7993), yet treatment rates decreased ( R 2 = .9205) across the time period. Out‐patient clinic follow‐up was attended by 75.10% of infants screened and there was no missed ROP in those infants seen. Conclusions and Relevance ART‐ROP solely uses wide‐field digital imaging for ROP diagnosis, and management, including discharge, of infants. This detailed review of ART‐ROP indicates an increase in screening demand, but a decrease in the rate of type 1 ROP. The ART‐ROP telemedicine model demonstrates real potential to address workforce shortage in ROP screening.