Objective:
To investigate the association between the timing of stage 2 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) diagnosis and treatment rates.
Approach:
- Study Design: Retrospective study reviewing 589 eyes from 311 infants diagnosed with stage 2 ROP across three neonatal intensive care units.
Key Findings:
- Earlier diagnosis of stage 2 ROP at a lower postmenstrual age (PMA) was linked to higher treatment rates.
- Treatment was required in 48.9% of eyes diagnosed from 31 to <34 weeks PMA, 44.7% from 34 to <38 weeks, and 29.7% at ≥38 weeks (P=.009).
- A greater proportion of zone I disease was observed with earlier stage 2 diagnosis (P<.001).
- Median PMA at first treatment was significantly lower in the earliest stage 2 group compared to later groups (P<.001).
- Approximately 66% of eyes with type 2 ROP received treatment before reaching type 1 ROP criteria.
Interpretation:
The findings indicate that the timing of stage 2 ROP diagnosis may be an important factor in assessing risk for progression and treatment necessity.
Limitations:
- The study does not establish that earlier treatment of stage 2 or type 2 ROP improves outcomes.
- Current treatment criteria do not incorporate timing and PMA.
Conclusion:
The results raise the question of whether treatment should be considered earlier than the current type 1 ROP criteria.
Sources:
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