Current management of retinopathy of prematurity in sub-Saharan Africa

To survey current oxygen management, screening criteria, and methods for treating retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in sub-Saharan Africa. An online survey was sent to ophthalmologists and neonatologists practicing in sub-Saharan Africa. Ophthalmologists and neonatologists from 15 of 49 countries (31%) in sub-Saharan Africa responded. Neonatologists reported treating a median of 15 infants with supplemental oxygen per week but only had a median of 3.5 oxygen-measuring devices and a median of zero oxygen blenders in their units. Ophthalmologists reported screening a median of 5 infants per week for ROP and treating 2 infants each month for ROP. Most ophthalmologists (24/27 [89%]) had access to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs to treat ROP, but only 13 of 27 (48%) had access to a laser. Survey results reveal an urgent need for additional oxygen- management equipment in hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa.▪