Factors associated with retinopathy of prematurity ophthalmology workload

Abstract

ObjectiveThis article reports on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) workload in the NICU related to severity of disease, gestational age at discharge, and practice variation.Study designData analysis on 1771 patients ≤ 30 weeks of gestation at birth from a de-identified data set of 13 NICUs.ResultsThere was a positive relationship between the severity of ROP and (1) the number of exams per patient, (2) the severity of ROP, and (3) postmenstrual age at discharge. The progression between the stages of ROP added to exam workload and postmenstrual age at NICU discharge. The addition of plus disease did not increase the exam burden. There was significant practice variation in the number of exams performed independent of ROP severity.ConclusionThe progression of the severity of ROP independent of plus disease, and practice variations both contribute to ROP workload. Addressing these factors could decrease ROP workload without compromising American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines.

Evaluation of the prematurity retinopathy and other eye changes in the newborn

“…Approximately 80% of causes of blindness in children are preventable or treatable. (3)(4)(5) In Brazil, studies carried out in schools for students with visual impairment and in low vision services point to chorioretinitis due to toxoplasmosis and childhood cataract, as the main causes, and congenital glaucoma and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) as the most prevalent ones. (2) After birth, active visual screening facilitates the detection of potential causes of treatable eye anomalies.…”

“…(2) After birth, active visual screening facilitates the detection of potential causes of treatable eye anomalies. (3,4) All neonates must undergo the red reflex test before discharge from the maternity hospital and be followed-up for at least two to three times a year, for the first three years of life. (2) In case of altered red reflex, the patient should be referred for specialized ophthalmologic evaluation.…”

“…(2) In case of altered red reflex, the patient should be referred for specialized ophthalmologic evaluation. (3,4) Retinopathy of prematurity is among the leading causes of child blindness. (4,5) The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Association of Certified Orthoptists (AACO), American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) and American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommend screening infants born at 28 weeks' gestational age (GA) or less, or with a birth weight of 1,500g or less.…”

“…(3,4) Retinopathy of prematurity is among the leading causes of child blindness. (4,5) The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Association of Certified Orthoptists (AACO), American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) and American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommend screening infants born at 28 weeks' gestational age (GA) or less, or with a birth weight of 1,500g or less. (6,7) According to the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology (CBO) and the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP), ROP screening is indicated in premature infants born with a birth weight <1,500g or GA ≤32 weeks.…”