title: Prevention of retinopathy of prematurity.
abstract: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is related to oxygen-regulated vascular endothelial growth factor and to insulin-like growth factor-I. After premature birth, supplemental oxygen induces a retinal hyperoxic condition with vasoconstriction and to a definitive interruption of retinal vasculogenesis. Peripheral ischemia may stimulate retinal neovascularization and the onset of additional ROP-related complications. The natural course of the disease may result in irreversible blindness if not promptly diagnosed and attended. Recently, a significant increase in the prevalence of ROP has been observed in survival rates of preterm infants, especially in emerging-economy countries in Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe. This article addresses the main preventive measures in ROP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. jbfortes@prorop.com.br
authors.forename: João Borges
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Fortes Filho
authors.forename: Gabriela Unchalo
authors.initials: GU
authors.lastname: Eckert
authors.forename: Marcia Beatriz
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Tartarella
authors.forename: Renato Soibelmann
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Procianoy
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011379:Prognosis; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000517:prevention & control*