Unexpected occurrence of retinopathy of prematurity: is there a need for custom-made screening procedures?
Widely differing screening routines for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are encountered in the literature. Because no standard pattern in the development of retinopathy of prematurity has so far been recognized and substantial differences exist between patient-populations, none of these procedures seem generally applicable. Diverse manifestations of this entity cast doubt upon the usefulness of rigid screening procedures. As illustrated by two cases, some retinas seem to be at risk of developing ROP over a considerable period of time which may even extend beyond term. It is suggested that very low birthweight neonates, suffering serious illness or undergoing anesthesia after the initial "routine" ROP screening, should be reexamined for ROP thereafter.
Cats
B P
BP
The Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Tan
K E
KE
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*