[Late Retinal Complications in Former Preterm Infants with Regressed ROP].
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study is to evaluate late retinal complications in former preterm infants with regressed stages of acute retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).


METHODS
Between 1995 and 2002 a consecutive series of 15 patients (16 eyes) with loss in visual acuity were examined. Gestational age was < 32 weeks, birth weight < 1500 g. The reason for visual disturbances was: RD (n = 14), vitreous haemorrhage (n = 3) and posterior vitreous detachment (n = 1).


RESULTS
Two eyes recovered spontaneously. Surgery was performed in 14/16 eyes, with a pars plana vitrectomy (n = 14), or buckling procedure (n = 2). Four eyes with a severe form of regressed ROP needed multiple procedures for reattachment At last follow-up in 13/14 (93.0 %) eyes the retina was completely attached. Visual acuity ranged from light projection to 20/25.


CONCLUSIONS
Former premature patients with vitreoretinal changes due to regressed ROP may develop vitreous traction and subsequent late-onset retinal detachment. Surgery with primary vitrectomy technique in eyes with retinal detachment can remove the vitreoretinal adhesions and is an effective treatment technique. In eyes without retinal detachment the natural course can be awaited.
Universitätsaugenklinik Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin. claudia.jandeck@ukbf.fu-berlin.de
Claudia
C
Jandeck
Ulrich
U
Kellner
Michael H
MH
Foerster
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D003452:Cryosurgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012591:Scleral Buckling; D000267:Tissue Adhesions; D014821:Vitrectomy; D020255:Vitreous Detachment / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D014823:Vitreous Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery