Question

What is the best reason for assessing a neonate weighing 1,500 g at 32 weeks’ gestation for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)?

Answer 1

Answer:

In the given case, assessing neonate for ROP is generally done as the neonate is at risk of multiple factors.

Explanation:

ROP or retinopathy of prematurity is a condition in which the eyes of the premature babies get affected. In the condition, the development of unusual blood vessels takes place over the retina, which can eventually result in blindness.  

In the given case, a neonate who weighs 1500 g at 32 weeks of gestation is assessed for ROP. ROP is related to multiple risk factors like prematurity, high arterial blood oxygen levels, and low weight of the baby at the time of birth, that is, less than 1.5 kg. In the initial phases of acute ROP, the constriction of the undeveloped retina vessels takes place, which gets followed by vascular closure. This eventually can result in irreversible capillary endothelial destruction.