מאת Dale L. Phelps, MD

ידיעה מתוך NICU-NET

I write to alert my colleagues to the Dec. 8th publication of an important revision of the criteria for when to treat ROP with lasertherapy (cyrotherapy).

Please see: Revised Indications for the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity: Results of the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity Randomized Trial Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity Cooperative Group

Arch Ophthalmol. 2003;121:1684-1694. לתקציר

 It is a long, detailed and well written article full of data and information. The bottom line, however, is:

Indications for laser/cryo peripheral ablative treatment:

 Zone II ROP: any stage 2 or 3 with plus disease

 zone I ROP: any stage ROP with plus disease

or Stage 3 ROP without plus disease

Wait and watch if the ROP is: 

 Zone II ROP: no plus disease (even if stage 3)

 Zone I ROP: stage 1 or 2 without plus disease

 The revised guidelines for treating ROP are much easier to use than the old ones.

A few more infants will be treated, the outcomes are significantly better.

PLEASE discuss these with the ophthalmologists who screen and treat the preterm infants in your NICU.  Let your growing preterm infants benefit from intervention at a better time than before.

Dale L. Phelps, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology

Pediatrics, Box 651, 601 Elmwood Ave.

Rochester, New York, 14642

(585) 275-2972, FAX (585) 461-3614