Artikel
Acute retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): present status of the Regensburg multicenter telemedicine project
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Autoren
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H. Elflein
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismology and Ophthalmic Genetics University of Regensburg, Regensburg
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B. Lorenz
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismology and Ophthalmic Genetics University of Regensburg, Regensburg
| Veröffentlicht: | 22. September 2004 |
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Gliederung
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Objective
We report on our 3 years experience with digital wide-field cameras (RetCam 120) in 5 Bavarian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) connected to the Reading Center at the University of Regensburg.
Methods
In January 2001, digital wide-field cameras were installed in the NICUs of Bayreuth, Deggendorf, Passau, Regensburg and Weiden. Retinal images were taken by the local ophthalmologists and sent anonymized (via ISDN), as well as the pediatric data (via email or fax) to the Reading Center for evaluation.
Results
During 3 years, 525 premature infants at risk (according to national guidelines) were imaged with the new screening method. ROP was found in 125 infants, 30 eyes of 15 babies needed treatment, which was performed onsite or at the Reading Center. Comparing digital imaging and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy as the gold standard in 78 infants from the NICU in Regensburg the sensitivity to detect treatment-requiring stages was 100% (10 eyes / 5 infants).
Conclusions
Even after a longer duration of three years all treatment requiring ROP stages have been detected. An expansion of the project is planned.
Support
Bayerische Landesstiftung, Bayerische Sparkassenstiftung, DFG LO 457/4-1,2, The portable diode laser was generously given by IrisMedical Inc., Mountain View, Ca and the Bayerische Sparkassenstiftung.
