ROP

Clinical course of Retinopathy of Prematurity

In this webinar we will learnabout classification and severe forms of ROP

The objectives would be Magnitude, Risk factors for ROP, Clinical course of ROP

ROP is one of the leading causes of severe visual impairment in childhood.About 16 to 48% of ELBW, 27 to 35% of VLBW infants and 32% of LBW infants more than 1500 gram are affected by some degree of ROP. It is important to understand the need for timely screening for ROP to prevent irreversible loss of vision.

Prematurity and Low birth weight are the most important risk factors for the development of ROP. Injudicious use of oxygen is also an anotherimportant risk. Other risk factors include blood transfusions and sepsis. Therefore,the sick and LBW babies have higher chance of developing ROP.

ROP is characterized by development of new abnormal blood vessels in the eyes of preterm infants Begins at 31- 32 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) and progresses over the next 2 to 5 weeks into severe forms. However, ROP does not manifest before 2-3 weeks of postnatal age.

ROP can eitherspontaneously regress or progress to retinal detachment, leading to blindness Therefore, timely screening will detect ROP requiring treatment earlier and avoid progression to severe forms at which time treatment will produce favourable outcomes.

Prematurity and Low birth weight (LBW) are the most important risk factors. Sick LBW child has higher chance of developing ROP. Oxygen and blood should be used judiciously. Untreated ROP can lead to retinal detachment and blindness. Timely screening and treatment are mandatory