Screening Procedure for Retinopathy of Prematurity - Coursework Example

Introduction Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease affecting the retina of premature infants, the key pathologic change being retinal neovascularization. Low birth weight and decreased gestational age are now considered as the primary causative factors. Supplemental oxygen administration is a risk factor. In a recent consensus statement from the International Evidence-Based Group for Neonatal Pain, screening for ROP is included in a list of painful procedures commonly performed in the NICU. However, studies on methods to reduce the pain and distress from ROP screening are limited. This study aimed at a critical analysis of literature on whether ROP screening is painful and distressing to the infant and the role of topical anaesthetics, oral sucrose and other methods like swaddling and nesting in reducing pain during the screening. The sources included journals and MEDLINE articles from 1989-2005. Only studies, which showed a clear outcome, were included. Those studies, which included very small sample size and indefinite outcomes, were excluded. ROP Screening Screening is recommended for all babies at risk of severe ROP. This includes those with a birthweight Read More