Diode laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity. Preliminary results.

Abstract

In a prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing transscleral cryotherapy with laser photocoagulation in the treatment of "threshold" stage 3+ retinopathy of prematurity, 32 infants were treated with diode laser photocoagulation in one eye. Twenty-eight infants have been followed up for at least 3 months, and seven have been followed up for at least 1 year. Twenty-five of 28 eyes treated with diode laser photocoagulation and followed up for at least 3 months have undergone regression. Of 24 fellow eyes treated with cryotherapy and followed up for at least 3 months, 20 have undergone regression. All seven eyes treated with diode laser photocoagulation and followed up for at least 1 year have undergone regression. Of seven fellow eyes treated with cryotherapy and followed up for at least 1 year, all have undergone regression. Our results suggest that diode laser photocoagulation is as effective as cryotherapy in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity.

• Authors: J A McNamara, W Tasman, J F Vander, G C Brown
• Journal: Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) (Arch Ophthalmol) Vol. 110 Issue 12 Pg. 1714-6 (Dec 1992) ISSN: 0003-9950 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1463410 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Cryosurgery
• Female
• Gestational Age
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Intraoperative Complications
• Laser Therapy
• Light Coagulation
• Male
• Postoperative Complications
• Prospective Studies
• Reoperation
• Retinopathy of Prematurity (physiopathology, surgery)
• Treatment Outcome