Indian Journal of Ophthalmology (Jan 2010)

Profile of asymmetrical retinopathy of prematurity in twins

  • Azad Rajvardhan,
  • Chandra Parijat,
  • Patwardhan Sourabh,
  • Gupta Aparna

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 58, no. 3
pp. 209 – 211

Abstract

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Background: In twin births, both babies have the same gestational age and pre-natal conditions. However, twins may develop a varied retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) course depending on birth weight and other systemic factors. Objective: To study the profile of asymmetric ROP in twins Design: Retrospective study Setting: Tertiary ROP referral eye hospital. Materials and Methods: The profile of 56 pairs of twins with ROP were studied and analyzed for differences in zone or need for treatment, while studying possible causes for the varied outcome. Results: In 45 pairs of twins (80%) the disease progressed identically in both eyes, while in 11 pairs (20%) the ROP showed differences in zone or need for treatment. Four of these pairs were discordant. In 3 of these 4 pairs, the heavier birth weight twin had a more severe ROP course. Conclusions: Twins can present with asymmetric ROP course, and it is therefore essential to examine both twins as per screening protocols.

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