Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening
and treatment experience at Jackson Memorial
Hospital/Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Arlanna N. Moshfeghi, A. M. Berrocal,
E. C. Mavrofrides, T. G. Murray, D. Hess,
Roseann Johnson, (Miami)
Purpose: To review the results of ROP screening at a busy neonatal intensive care unit over a
13 month period.
Methods: Retrospective review of all patients screened and treated for ROP at the Jackson
Memorial Hospital/Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between July 1, 2002 and August 1, 2003.
Results: We screened 224 premature infants over a 13 month period. Eighty-five (38%) of
these infants developed some form of ROP. Threshold ROP requiring laser therapy occurred in
25 (29% of infants with ROP). Of the infants 25 weeks or less, 41/42 (98%) developed ROP
and 20/42 (48%) reached threshold ROP requiring treatment. Infants 26-28 weeks, 36/86 (41%) developed ROP and 3/86
(3.5%) reached threshold ROP. Infants 29 weeks or more, 8/96 (8.3%) developed ROP and 2/96 (2.1%) reached threshold.
All infants undergoing laser therapy for threshold disease were less than 850 grams at birth. Infants 750 grams or less had
a 42% (22/53) chance of require laser therapy. Of the infants undergoing laser therapy, 4/25 (16%) required more than one
session. Two of 25 (8%) of the treated infants progressed and required surgical intervention. In both cases, laser treatment
was delayed because of medical instability.
Dense versus less-dense diode laser photocoagulation and new posterior segment imaging capabilities in neonates will also
be discussed.
Conclusions: Advances in neonatal care have increased the survival of very low birth weight infants. These infants show
high risk for the development of ROP and progression to threshold disease. Good outcomes can be achieved with aggressive
screening and treatment.