Evaluation of retinopathy of prematurity incidence with telemedicine confirmation in Gansu, China: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Gansu, China by combining bedside examinations with remote RetCam (Clarity Medical Systems, Pleasanton, CA, USA) diagnosis.

METHODS

ROP screening via indirect ophthalmoscopy followed by RetCam imaging was performed from 2014 to 2015. Three ROP-experienced ophthalmologists interpreted images remotely. Incidence of ROP was determined by combining bedside and telemedicine diagnoses.

RESULTS

Of 139 examined infants and 137 complete records, 20 (14.6%) patients developed ROP, with 11 (8.0%) stage 1, six (4.4%) stage 2, and three (2.2%) stage 3 based on combined diagnoses. Perinatal asphyxia was significantly associated with ROP incidence (p = 0.01). ROP incidence by combined diagnosis (20/137 or 14.6%) versus clinician diagnosis alone (21/137 or 15.3%, p = 0.50) was similar. Telemedicine changed diagnoses in 4/21 (19.0%) ROP cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Telemedicine may be helpful in confirming ROP incidence and may serve as a training and support model for less experienced and professionally isolated ROP examiners.