Question
A baby born at 28 weeks of gestation developed respiratory distress syndrome at birth. On day 14, he developed sepsis. After how many weeks should the baby undergo retinal evaluation for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)?
| A. |
2 weeks
|
| B. |
12 weeks
|
| C. |
8 weeks
|
| D. |
4 weeks
|
Show Answer
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Correct Answer � A
Explanation
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|
In the scenario above, the postnatal age of the premature infant is 2 weeks, and therefore, the infant must be
screened after 2 weeks (i.e., 4 weeks of postnatal age) as per the guidelines for the management of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
ROP guidelines state that first examination should be performed between 4 and 6 weeks of postnatal age, or between 31–33 weeks of post-conceptional age (calculated as gestational age + postnatal age), whichever is later.
Screening:
- The first ROP screening should be done at 4 weeks if the gestational age is 28–34 weeks or birth weight is < 2000 g.
- The first ROP screening should be done at 3 weeks if gestational age is
Ideally, 2 examinations must be performed; however, 1 may suffice if it shows complete retinal vascularisation.
