Current management of retinopathy of prematurity in sub-Saharan Africa

J AAPOS. 2020 Jun;24(3):151.e1-151.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2020.03.002. Epub 2020 Jun 4.

Abstract

Purpose: To survey current oxygen management, screening criteria, and methods for treating retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: An online survey was sent to ophthalmologists and neonatologists practicing in sub-Saharan Africa.

Results: Ophthalmologists and neonatologists from 15 of 49 countries (31%) in sub-Saharan Africa responded. Neonatologists reported treating a median of 15 infants with supplemental oxygen per week but only had a median of 3.5 oxygen-measuring devices and a median of zero oxygen blenders in their units. Ophthalmologists reported screening a median of 5 infants per week for ROP and treating 2 infants each month for ROP. Most ophthalmologists (24/27 [89%]) had access to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs to treat ROP, but only 13 of 27 (48%) had access to a laser.

Conclusions: Survey results reveal an urgent need for additional oxygen- management equipment in hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Africa South of the Sahara
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Mass Screening
  • Neonatal Screening
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires