The results of diode laser treatment of active phase of retinopathy of prematurity

Introduction
1. The results of diode laser treatment of active phase of retinopathy of prematurity. 2. Determination of risk factors influencing results of treatment. 3. Determination of coexistence frequency with other chronic diseases subsequent to ROP, like broncho-pulmonary dysplasia, hydrocephalus and periventricular leucomalacia.

Material and methods
27 premature infants were treated with an aid of diode laser since June to December 2002. Birth weight varied from 550 to 1600g (mean 941,85g) and gestational age from 25 to 32 weeks (mean Hbd 27,6). In 6 premature infants (12 eyes) ROP was stated in the I zone. In 14 premature infants (28 eyes) threshold ROP was found in II zone. In 2 premature infants (3 eyes) threshold ROP diagnosed in III zone and in 5 premature infants (10 eyes) wide fibro-vascular proliferations were found in the area exceeding 12 hours. Treatment was performed with an aid of diode laser OcuLight SLx from the company IRIS Medical Instruments, Inc., emitting infrared radiation (810 nm).

Results
Good anatomical results were obtained in 17 cases (36 eyes), in 3 cases (5 eyes) macular ectopy, in 2 cases (3 eyes) partial retinal detachment and in 5 cases (10 eyes) total retinal detachment. Only in 4 children ROP occurred as a late complication of prematurity.

Conclusions
1. Obtained results of treatment with an aid of diode laser depend on localization of lesions, occurring in course of ROP and on the stage of its advancement. Treatment performed in premature infants in active phase, threshold ROP in the II-nd and III-rd zone causes good anatomical results. 2. The cause of treatment failure was localization of ROP in the I-st zone, accompanied by rapid course or wide fibro-vascular proliferations exceeding 12 hours. 3. Children with diagnosed retinopathy are at high risk of psycho-motoric disturbance because of other chronic disorders, that may often coexist.