More validation for new ROP screening method

Researchers used the WINROP algorithm based on postnatal weight gain alone to retrospectively analyze data from a U.S. cohort of 318 premature infants. The algorithm correctly identified all high-risk children who ended up developing severe ROP a median of nine weeks before diagnosis.

None of the infants who received no- or low-risk identification developed more than mild ROP. The authors conclude that with further validation, this method which has been validated in two other countries has the potential to safely reduce the number of ROP examinations. However, continued validation with patient populations across the world is necessary before adopting new screening guidelines for ROP.