Diode laser versus cryotherapy for the treatment of the retinopathy of prematurity: a comparative study

SUMMARY

A total of 1677 premature infants were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy in 4^th, 5^th, 7^th, 9^th 12^th e 24^th weeks of life, between January 1988 and December 1995. The weight of the infants was less than 1250 grams and gestacional age 30 weeks or less. Treatment was done in those with stage 3+ of retinopathy, zones I,II and III. Treatment was performed in 41 premature infants (9%), 29 (70%) with transescleral cryotherapy with 38 weeks of post conceptual age and 12 (30%) with laser photocoagulation with 39 weeks of post conceptual age. All infants were followed for at least five months.

Chemosis, palpebral edema and vitreous opacities were complications of cryotherapy; retinal hemorrhage, Bruch's rupture and iris burn were laser complications.

Complications of anesthesia included bradycardia, transient hypoxemia and temporary respiratory arrest.

The results suggested that laser therapy is as effective as cryoth erapy in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity, wíth less complications.