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Retinopathy of prematurity: New developments bring concern and hope
Author(s) -
Darlow Brian A
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.12860
Subject(s) - retinopathy of prematurity , medicine , childhood blindness , blindness , pediatrics , vigilance (psychology) , gestational age , retinopathy , intensive care medicine , ophthalmology , optometry , pregnancy , genetics , neuroscience , endocrinology , biology , diabetes mellitus
Blindness from retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in A ustralian and N ew Z ealand is an uncommon event although 3% of <31 weeks gestation infants receive treatment for the disease. New world‐wide estimates of the incidence of blindness from ROP are much higher than previously at 20 000 children annually. The impact of severe ROP can be reduced through good evidence‐based care of very preterm infants and careful organisation of eye examinations and follow‐up services. Recent oxygen saturation targeting trial results might mean the adoption of higher targets than formerly in very preterm infants and will require vigilance to ensure all eligible infants are examined appropriately. A true screening examination for acute ROP might involve non‐opthalmologists obtaining photographic retinal images and remote reading of these. Although treatment with laser gives good outcomes, there is interest in intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial factor agents, but issues concerning the systemic safety and retinal results of such treatment are unresolved.