Analysis of clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes for 26 cases of extremely low birth weight infants with severe retinopathy of prematurity / 中国小儿急救医学

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI),and to evaluate the management model of ROP screening of ELBWI and the clinical effects and treatment timing of photocoagulation with intravitreous injection of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor (Avastin).Methods Forty-five cases of ELBWI (birth weight ＜ 1000 g) survived finally in our neonatal intensive care unit from July 1,2004 to June 30,2011 were reviewed.ROP screening was regularly performed in 4 ～ 6 weeks postpartum with binocular indirect funduscope by ophthalmologists.Newborns with severe ROP were treated with laser photocoagulation in the fundus.Some newborns that developed aggressive posterior ROP(APROP) were treated with combined intravitreous injection of Avastin and photocoagulation.Results Thirteen of 45 cases (28.89％) had not developed to ROP finally.Six cases (13.33％) developed to stage 1 ～ 2 ROP and then spontaneous recovery during the follow-up period.Twenty-six newborns (57.78％) developed to severe aggressive posterior ROP (APROP) and need to be treated with photocoagulation.All 3 APROP infants (6.67％) were received intravitreous Avastin injection prior to photocoagulation.The visual acuity of all 45 patients (100％) in this study was preserved.Conclusion ELBWI have a higher morbidity of severe ROP.Timely screening and intervention are effective to prevent disease progression.Intravitreous Avastin injection prior to photocoagulation may be necessary to preserve the visual acuity of infants with APROP.Respiratory management is the key for post-operation care.