[Retinopathy of prematurity. Prevention, screening and treatment guidelines]

Abstract

ROP screening is carried out at all the Spanish hospitals, but there is little agreement on the criteria used for its screening and other aspects related to its practice. Our aim is to report on recommendations for prevention, screening, treatment and follow-up of the retinopathy of prematurity in Spain. Prevention strategies and recommendations for screening, exploration and treatment of ROP, as well as of the organisation of the services to carry out it are reviewed. The most recent bibliography on the basis of the scientific evidence is considered, taking as reference, the guidelines published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2006 and the recommendations updated in 2007 in the United Kingdom. The recommended prevention strategies are based on the best neonatal practice. The standards, as far as the screening is concerned, are established by birth weight (< or =1,500 g), gestational age (< or =32 weeks) and unstable neonatal clinical course. Indirect ophthalmoscopy is the standard technique for exploration and laser therapy the treatment of choice.