Remifentanil analgesia for ROP treatment performed in the NICU by pediatricians is a safe and effective modality. This modality offers a practical solution in hospitals without readily available pediatric anesthetists.

Late-onset BD usually affects both genders equally, and the prognosis of ocular involvement is usually good. The incidence of panuveitis decreases as age increases, while the incidence of anterior uveitis increases. Ocular involvement is usually bilateral and there is no correlation between gender and uveitis type.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to identify the incidence of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) requiring laser treatment and the overall incidence of ROP in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, and to evaluate the associated risk factors for developing severe ROP in ELBW infants in Turkey.Material/MethodsThis retrospective, case-control, tertiary care-hospital based study included 235 ELBW infants screened for ROP. The incidence of the onset of ROP and severe ROP requiring laser treatment were assessed. The relationship between various clinical risk factors, and the development of severe ROP and onset of ROP were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe overall incidence of any stage ROP and severe ROP requiring laser treatment in ELBW infants was 75.5% and 38.7%, respectively. Severe ROP requiring laser treatment in ELBW infants was significantly associated with various independent risk factors, including blood transfusion (P=0.002), gestational age at birth (P<0.001), gestational weight at birth (P=0.001), culture-proven sepsis (P=0.047).ConclusionsThe severity of ROP may increase as weight at birth and gestational age at birth decrease, and in those with culture-proven sepsis as well as in those that receive blood transfusion. Clinicians should be aware of the presence of these risk factors when treating ELBW premature infants. Early detection and prevention of sepsis and reducing the number of blood transfusions may decrease the incidence of severe ROP requiring laser treatment.

The study showed no significant difference of SE between the groups. High myopia was only present among the treated infants either with IVB or laser. Infants who received laser treatment significantly had thicker lenses.

This survey reveals considerable variation among Turkish ROP specialists regarding ROP care. The survey data are critical in order to develop quality improvement and help in planning more effective future programs for ROP care in terms of training.