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Retinopathy of Prematurity

  • Symposium on AIIMS Protocols in Neonatology
  • Published:
The Indian Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) occurs due to abnormal proliferation of retinal vessels. The most important risk factors which predispose to development of ROP include oxygen therapy, anemia needing blood transfusion, sepsis and apnea. Very low birth weight neonates, those born at ≤32 week of gestation and other preterm neonates with risk factors must be screened for ROP. As a general rule first screening should be done at 1 month of postnatal age. If screening detects ROP not needing treatment follow up should be planned according to location and stage of ROP. Better visual outcomes are observed with earlier treatment at lower threshold. Peripheral retinal ablation with diode laser under adequate analgesia and sedation is the preferred method for treatment of severe ROP. Guidelines regarding the procedure of dilatation, ophthalmic examination and treatment (if required) have been provided in the protocol. Close co-operation between the ophthalmologist and neonatologist is essential for successful management of ROP.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Chandigarh, India

    Deepak Chawla

  2. Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. R. P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India

    Parijat Chandra & Rajvardhan V. Azad

  3. Division of Neonatology & WHO Collaborating Centre for Training & Research in Newborn Care, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India

    Ramesh Agarwal, Ashok Deorari & Vinod K. Paul

  4. Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India

    Ashok Deorari

Authors
  1. Deepak Chawla
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  2. Ramesh Agarwal
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  3. Ashok Deorari
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  4. Vinod K. Paul
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  5. Parijat Chandra
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  6. Rajvardhan V. Azad
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Correspondence to Ashok Deorari.

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Chawla, D., Agarwal, R., Deorari, A. et al. Retinopathy of Prematurity. Indian J Pediatr 79, 501–509 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-010-0279-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-010-0279-7

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