Koraszülöttek ideghártya-elváltozása miatti lézerkezelés neonatális intenzív centrumokban. Csecsemő-Szem-Mentő Program [Laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity in neonatal intensive care units. Premature Eye Rescue Program]

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Retinopathy of prematurity is a leading cause of childhood blindness around the world. AIM: The Department of Ophthalmology at the Semmelweis University and the Peter Cerny Neonatal Emergency and Ambulance Service started an innovative Premature Eye Rescue Program to reduce the non-essential transport of premature babies suffering from retinopathy of prematurity. METHOD: During the first 5 years 186 eyes of 93 premature babies were treated at the bedside with stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity in the primary hospitals. RESULTS: In this first 5-years period the authors reduced the number of transports of premature babies for laser treatment; 93 children avoided the unnecessary transport, saving altogether a distance of 21,930 kilometers for children, as well as the ambulance service. CONCLUSIONS: The Premature Eye Rescue Program offers a good and effective alternative for treatment of retinopathy in the primary hospitals. The authors propose the national extension of this program.