(Disclaimer: This article is for scientific use only, and the information in the following content has been processed to protect the privacy of the child)
Abstract: Retinopathy of prematurity is a blinding eye disease that occurs in preterm and low birth weight infants. In this case, a 1-month-old female infant born prematurely at 28+2 weeks with unstable systemic condition and constant oxygenation was referred to our hospital for treatment of retinopathy of prematurity discovered during fundus screening. After the operation, the condition improved significantly, preventing the aggravation of the lesion and preventing the child from developing serious visual impairment.
Basic information】Female, 30 days
Type of disease】Retinopathy of prematurity
Hospital】Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Hospital
Date of Consultation】December 2021
Treatment Plan】Both eyes vitreous cavity medication (Compazepine eye injection) injection surgery
Treatment Period】7 days in hospital, 2 weeks postoperative review
Treatment effect】Significant improvement after surgery
I. Initial consultation
The child was born at a gestational age of 28+2 weeks, with a birth weight of 1.18 kg, and was delivered by cesarean section. The fundus examination revealed dilated and tortuous retinal vessels in both eyes, and neovascularization was seen.
II. Treatment process
The ophthalmologist immediately communicated with the family, informing them of the seriousness of the child’s condition and the possible complications of the surgery, and reminding them of the need for early surgery. The child entered the operating room after completing all the preoperative preparations, and under surface anesthesia, he underwent vitreous cavity drug (Compazine ophthalmic injection) injection in both eyes.
III. Treatment results
On the first day of postoperative examination, both eyelids were mildly edematous, the bulbar conjunctiva was mildly congested and edematous, the left eye had a small amount of subconjunctival hemorrhage, the conjunctival sacs of both eyes had no obvious secretions, the corneas of both eyes were slightly edematous, and the crystals were clear. There were no signs of postoperative infection in the eyes, and he continued to be treated with light shielding, pupil dilatation, and infection prevention. The ocular surface was in good condition on postoperative days 3 and 7, and the retinal vasodilatation and tortuosity on fundus examination were significantly better than before, and the arteriovenous anastomosis at the end of the vessels had subsided. The child’s general condition was stable at 7 days after surgery, and he was discharged from the hospital. The parents were instructed to bring the child to the ophthalmology clinic for fundus review in 1 week.
IV. Notes
We are glad that the child’s condition has improved after treatment. After surgery, we should avoid rubbing the eyes as much as possible, pay attention to eye hygiene, disinfect the towels in contact with the eyes regularly, do more outdoor activities during the day, the sun should not be directly on the eyes, do not use cell phones, tablets and other electronic products to tease the child, do not sleep with night lights at night, if you are worried about the child spitting up, you can turn on a small night light far from the eyes, the light should not be too bright, breastfeeding patients according to the The fundus should be reviewed in 1 week at the ophthalmology clinic, and the fundus should be examined with the newborn wide field retinal acquisition imaging system to compare the changes of the child’s condition.
V. Personal insight
Retinopathy of prematurity is a type of blinding eye disease that occurs in preterm and low birth weight infants. Because it cannot be detected by the naked eye, regular fundus screening must be performed in preterm and low birth weight infants to clarify the development of the retina. It is important not to delay the disease. After the surgery, we should follow the doctor’s orders for regular review and pay close attention to the eye health of the child. In this case, the child’s condition was controlled because of timely treatment, and the family was satisfied with the improvement after treatment.