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Review
. 2021 Jan 18;4(1):e219.
doi: 10.1002/hsr2.219. eCollection 2021 Mar.

How to prevent ROP in preterm infants in Indonesia?

Johanes Edy Siswanto  1   2 , Peter H Dijk  3 , Arend F Bos  3 , Rita S Sitorus  4 , Asri C Adisasmita  5 , Sudarto Ronoatmodjo  5 , Pieter J J Sauer  3
Affiliations
Review

How to prevent ROP in preterm infants in Indonesia?

Johanes Edy Siswanto et al. Health Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Background and aims: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a severe disease in preterm infants. It is seen more frequently in Low-Middle Income Countries (LMIC) like Indonesia compared to High-Income Countries (HIC). Risk factors for ROP development are -extreme- preterm birth, use of oxygen, neonatal infections, respiratory problems, inadequate nutrition, and blood and exchange transfusions. In this paper, we give an overview of steps that can be taken in LMIC to prevent ROP and provide guidelines for screening and treating ROP.

Methods: Based on the literature search and data obtained by us in Indonesia's studies, we propose guidelines for the prevention, screening, and treatment of ROP in preterm infants in LMIC.

Results: Prevention of ROP starts before birth with preventing preterm labor, transferring a mother who might deliver <32 weeks to a perinatal center and giving corticosteroids to mothers that might deliver <34 weeks. Newborn resuscitation must be done using room air or, in the case of very preterm infants (<29-32 weeks) by using 30% oxygen. Respiratory problems must be prevented by starting continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in all preterm infants <32 weeks and in case of respiratory problems in more mature infants. If needed, the surfactant should be given in a minimally invasive manner, as ROP's lower incidence was found using this technique. The use of oxygen must be strictly regulated with a saturation monitor of 91-95%. Infections must be prevented as much as possible. Both oral and parenteral nutrition should be started in all preterm infants on day one of life with preferably mothers' milk. Blood transfusions can be prevented by reducing the amount of blood needed for laboratory analysis.

Discussion: Preterm babies should be born in facilities able to care for them optimally. The use of oxygen must be strictly regulated. ROP screening is mandatory in infants born <34 weeks, and infants who received supplemental oxygen for a prolonged period. In case of progression of ROP, immediate mandatory treatment is required.

Conclusion: Concerted action is needed to reduce the incidence of ROP in LMIC. "STOP - R1O2P3" is an acronym that can help implement standard practices in all neonatal intensive care units in LMIC to prevent development and progression.

Keywords: ROP; low‐middle income countries; predisposing factors; recommendation; screening.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Oxygen saturation in the first 10 minutes after birth (3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th SpO2 percentiles for all preterm and term infants with no medical intervention after birth) 13
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Scheme of the retina of both eyes showing three‐zone borders and clock hours used to describe the location and extent of retinopathy of prematurity. 58
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Diagram/flowchart “How to prevent ROP with STOP−ROP?”
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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