Outcomes of diode laser photocoagulation for zone 1 retinopathy of prematurity

Aim: To report outcomes of diode laser photocoagulation for zone 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a tertiary university clinic. Material and Method: The records of 452 eyes of 257 preterm infants who were seen in retina division of Department of Ophthalmology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine between June 2007 and December 2010 and subsequently were diagnosed as zone 1 prethreshold ROP based on early treatment (The Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity Study = ETROP) criteria and treated with diode laser photocoagulation in accordance with ETROP criteria for ROP were reviewed retrospectively. Anatomic and structural success (regression of ROP and attached macula) were evaluated separately for zone 1 posterior (group A) and anterior (group B). Results: In group A the mean birth weight was 1120.2 g (range 490-2500 g) and the mean gestational age was 28.2 weeks (range 22-35 wks). In group B, the mean birth weight was 1128.9 g (560-1930 g) and the mean gestational age was 28.4 weeks (24-34). A success rate of 98.15% and 98.65% was achieved for group A and B, respectively. Conclusions: Zone 1 ROP group includes patients with a high risk. Diode laser photocoagulation in prethreshold stage is effective and safe for the treatment of zone 1 ROP. Updating perinatal care could provide a decrease in the incidence of ROP in premature newborns with a higher birth weight. (Turk Arch Ped 2012; 47: 253-6)