Evaluation of retinopathy of prematurity incidence with telemedicine confirmation in Gansu, China: a pilot study. (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Xinxin; Wang, Yuping; Ulrich, J. Niklas; Yang, Yi; Ding, Leona; Yang, Yi; Xu, Ding; Tarczy-Hornoch, Kristina; Cabrera, Michelle T.
• Is Part Of: Ophthalmic epidemiology. Volume 25:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 120
• Page End: 125
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Retinopathy of prematurity -- telemedicine -- RetCam -- incidence; Blindness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Eye -- Diseases -- Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 614.5997
• DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2017.1368671
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0928-6586

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose : To determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Gansu, China by combining bedside examinations with remote RetCam (Clarity Medical Systems, Pleasanton, CA, USA) diagnosis. Methods : ROP screening via indirect ophthalmoscopy followed by RetCam imaging was performed from 2014 to 2015. Three ROP-experienced ophthalmologists interpreted images remotely. Incidence of ROP was determined by combining bedside and telemedicine diagnoses. Results : Of 139 examined infants and 137 complete records, 20 (14.6%) patients developed ROP, with 11 (8.0%) stage 1, six (4.4%) stage 2, and three (2.2%) stage 3 based on combined diagnoses. Perinatal asphyxia was significantly associated with ROP incidence ( p = 0.01). ROP incidence by combined diagnosis (20/137 or 14.6%) versus clinician diagnosis alone (21/137 or 15.3%, p = 0.50) was similar. Telemedicine changed diagnoses in 4/21 (19.0%) ROP cases. Conclusions : Telemedicine may be helpful in confirming ROP incidence and may serve as a training and support model for less experienced and professionally isolated ROP examiners.