Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of indirect diode laser on the treatment of threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and to report demographic changes. Methods: Retrospective chart review of 111 eyes of 61 babies treated for threshold ROP between 1991 and 2001. Results: The average gestational age at birth was 25 weeks (SD 2, range 23 to 35), and the average birth weight was 728 grams (SD 190, range 435 to 1400). The average gestational age at time of treatment was 37 weeks (SD 2, range 32 to 44). The median length of follow-up was 2 months (range, 0 to 94 months). 96/111 eyes achieved regression of neovascularization. 14 eyes had zone 1 disease at the time of laser treatment, while 97 eyes had zone 2 disease. 36% of eyes with zone 1 disease progressed to stage 4 or 5 disease, while 10% of the initial zone 2 eyes progressed. The mean gestational age at birth and at time of treatment and the mean birth weight between eyes with zone 1 versus zone 2 were not statistically different (p=0.3-0.9). 5 eyes (5%) developed stage 4a disease, 6 eyes (5%) developed 4b disease, and 4 (3.5%) eyes developed stage 5 disease. There was no statistical difference in mean gestational age at birth (25.0 versus 25.2 weeks, p=0.74) and mean birth weight (746 versus 724 grams, p=0.78) between individuals that progressed compared with those that stablized. During 1991 to 2001, there was a statistically significant trend towards lower mean gestational age at time of birth (Pearson correlation= -0.36, p=0.005) and mean birth weight (Pearson correlation= -0.35, p= 0.0041). Conclusion: Favorable outcome was noted in 86% of eyes after laser treatment, which is comparable to other published studies. A larger number of eyes with zone 1 disease progressed to stage 4 or stage 5 disease as compared to zone 2 disease; however, there was no difference in mean birth weight or gestational age at time of birth. In our study, premature infants treated for threshold ROP are presenting at an earlier gestational age and with lower birth weights over time.
Keywords: 572 retinopathy of prematurity • 454 laser