Retinopathy of Prematurity was found in 5-Minute Clinical Consult which helps you diagnose, treat, and follow up on over 900 medical conditions seen in everyday practice.
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Basics
Description
- Proliferative disorder of the retinal blood vessels in premature infants: The normal retinal vascularization occurs nasally at ~36 weeks’ gestational age and temporally at ~40 weeks’ gestational age.
- System(s) affected: Nervous
- Synonym(s): ROP; Retrolental fibroplasia
Epidemiology
Incidence
- 65.8% of infants weighing <1,251 g at birth and 81.6% of those weighing <1,000 g
- Predominant age: Premature infants
- Predominant sex: Male = Female
Risk Factors
- Low birth weight
- Prematurity
- Supplemental oxygen; once the retina becomes fully vascularized, oxygen does not affect the retina.
- Supplemental oxygen given to premature infants with moderate ROP will not make the retinopathy worse.
Genetics
African American infants appear less susceptible.
Etiology
Oxidative processes (influenced by high levels of arterial oxygen) in immature retina may be an important causative factor.
Commonly Associated Conditions
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
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