Eye Disorders Case

A 4-week-old girl was born at 28 weeks’ gestation with a birth weight of 1700 g.

Published Jul 01, 2021

Associate Editor - Pediatrics, Dermatology, Geriatrics , McGraw Hill

A 4-week-old girl was born at 28 weeks’ gestation with a birth weight of 1700 g. She required supplemental oxygen for the first two weeks of life. Since this time she has been in good condition, feeding well, and gaining weight appropriately. Her two older siblings at home were both born full-term. Her parents inquire if their daughter will require any additional follow-up compared with their other children.

At what chronological age should this patient be screened for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)?

A. This week.

B. 1 week.

C. 2 weeks.

D. 3 weeks.

E. Screening is not necessary.

The correct answer is “A.” According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, all infants with a birthweight of 1500 g or less or a gestational age of 30 weeks or less should be screened for ROP. It is recommended that the initial screening examination be performed at 4 weeks’ chronological age or 31 weeks’ postmenstrual age, which is determined by the later of these two dates.

Sources:

Question & Explanation: Peterson AR, Wood KE. Pediatrics Examination and Board Review. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2017.

Photo: Chapter 581 Retinopathy of Prematurity, Kline MW. Rudolph's Pediatrics, 23e; 2018.