Objective To overview the characteristic in development and progress of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Method Six hundred and thirty eight premature birth infants with birth weight less than 2000 grams born or hospitalized in three hospitals in Guangdong province were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy as part of ROP screening. 1172 eyes in 586 infants are included. Follow-up has not been completed in 52 infants. The first time of screening was 4 to 6 weeks after birth or 32 weeks corrected for gestational age. Threshold and pre-threshold (type I) disease was treated by laser photo-coagulation within 48 hours. All infants were followed until complete vascularization, natural regress or for more than 1 month after effective therapy. Data regarding incidence of ROP, corrected gestational age and days after birth of ROP onset, corrected gestational age and days after birth of getting treatment, progress pace and prognosis were collected and analyzed by Spearman statistical analyses. ResultsIn 1172 eyes, ROP developed in 118 eyes (10.07%). In 1054 eyes (89.93%) were completed vascularized. Sixty eyes received laser treatment. In ROP infants, the median gestational age was 29.3 weeks and the median corrected gestational age and days after birth when ROP develops were 36.4 weeks and 59.5 days respectively. There was a negative correlation between gestational age and ROP development and treatment timing （R=-0.65,-0.80；P=0.000）.The median interval days from stage 1 to stage 2, from stage 2 to stage 3, and stage 3 to getting treatment were 14.0, 10.5 and 3.0 days respectively. The interval showed a nonnormal distribution and there is statistical difference （H=30.69，P=0.000）.During the follow-up after treatment, the ocular fixation and following reactions were normal. The structure of optic disc, the macula lutea and retina were normal. ConclusionsTiming of ROP development is about 36.4 weeks corrected for gestational age and 37.5 weeks when treated. The interval is shorter when ROP progresses.The prognosis is good for the treatment of aular.
Objective To observe the application and effectiveness of bevacizumab intravitreal injection as adjunctive treatment for laser coagulation to treat retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). MethodsFrom March 2008 to October 2010, 17 infants (31 eyes) with ROP received bevacizumab intravitreal injection and were analyzed. Ten infants were male (18 eyes) and 7 were female (13 eyes).Their gestational age was from 24.7 to 31.0 weeks, with a mean of (28.2±1.9) weeks. Their birth weight was from 750 to 1600 grams, with a mean of (1150±264) grams. The indications for treatment included poor papillary dilation and refractive media opacity precluding complete laser coagulation and that ROP could not be controlled after complete laser coagulation treatment. The duration of followup was 1.4 to 40.8 months, with a mean of (20.8±13.2) months. It was noted whether the diseases were completely controlled or not, unfavourable structural outcome occurred or not and if there were complications regarding treatment. Results During the follow-up of all 31 eyes, ROP of 27 eyes (87.0%) was controlled by bevacizumab intravitreal injection as adjunctive treatment for laser coagulation. Increasing neovascularization and traction retinal detachment occurred in 2 eyes (6.5%). These 2 eyes underwent vitreoretinal surgery. The posterior retinal structure returned to normal in 1 eye and posterior vitreoretinal traction occurred in 1 eye. After bevacizumab intravitreal injection ROP continued progressing and traction retina detachment occurred in 2 eyes. The overall health of this infant remained good during and after operation. No systemic adverse drug reactions were found. No endophthalmitis occurred. No ocular complications such as corneal burn, cataract, and anterior segmental ischemia were found. Conclusions During the follow-up，the effectiveness of bevacizumab intravitreal injection as adjunctive treatment for laser coagulation to treat ROP was positive. No complications regarding the treatment were found.