Survey of current retinopathy of prematurity practices in China

Abstract

AIM: To understand retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening and treatment preferences among Chinese ophthalmologists. METHODS: A Chinese language survey was administered anonymously using WebQ (Catalyst, Seattle, WA, USA) among Chinese ROP screeners from December 2016 to January 2017. RESULTS: Among 70 ophthalmologists contacted, 65 responded (93%; 78% female, mean age 40y, 57% pediatric ophthalmologists and 25% retina specialists). Most used screening criteria of birth weight ≤2 kg (62%) with variation in cut-off gestational age (≤37wk, 34%; ≤34wk, 22%; ≤32wk, 31%). RetCam (Natus Medical Incorporated, Pleasanton, CA, USA) wide-field fundus photography assisted most screeners (72%) and was exclusively used by many (29%). Among 55 ophthalmologists treating ROP, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was preferred over laser for both zone I (76% vs 24%) and zone II ROP (58% vs 42%). Retina specialists (P=0.004) and ophthalmologists with >3mo of training (P=0.03) were more likely to use anti-VEGF over laser for zone I ROP. Lack of laser training (8/20, 40%), access (6/20, 30%) and anesthesia (4/20, 20%) were common barriers to laser treatment. CONCLUSION: Chinese ROP screeners favor anti-VEGF injection and RetCam imaging for ROP management. A better understanding of ROP screening and treatment informs future research and education efforts in China.