Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:ROP is a vasoproliferative disorder that can result in significant visual morbidity and blindness. An uncommon, rapidly progressing, severe form of ROP has recently been designated "aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity" (AP–ROP) by the second International Classification for ROP committee (ICROP II) (Archives of Ophthalmology; In press). This rapidly progressing retinopathy has been referred previously as "type II ROP" and "Rush Disease", but neither were included in the original ICROP (1984). If untreated, it usually progresses to stage 5 ROP. Methods: 10 extremely premature infants with AP–ROP were screened on a weekly basis using a digital photographic system (Retcam) and went on to receive diode laser photocoagulation for severe disease. Patient demographics included mean birth weight of xx g (range x to y), mean gestational age of zz weeks (range x to y). Photographic documentation of the characteristic features of this most severe type of ROP are its posterior location, prominence of plus disease, and flat network of neovascularization at the deceptively featureless junction between vascularized and nonvascularized retina. AP–ROP does not progress through the classic stages 1 to 3. Results: Longitudinal photographic documentation of AP–ROP from week to week, makes it possible to demonstrate and describe the development of this most severe form of ROP. Conclusions: This is the first series of infants with AP–ROP photographically demonstrating the unique clinical features that are crucial for early identification, treatment and prevention of severe cicatricial disease.
Keywords: retinopathy of prematurity