DR. BHAVIK PANCHAL

DR. SUBHADRA JALALI, DR.TAPAS RANJAN PADHI, DR.MEGHA GULATI

Abstract

Purpose: The study was aimed at assessing the lockdown impact on the follow-up and outcomes of children treated for APROP.

Methods: Retrospective comparison of APROP children during the COVID‑19 lockdown (2020-21) versus children treated in pre-Covid era (2018-19). Gestational age, postmenstrual age at presentation and treatment, gender, birth weight, mean follow-up, follow-up frequency after treatment, recurrence of the disease, and its treatment, outcome were used to compare the 2 groups.

Results: 138 eyes were treated during the covid era compared with the non-covid era, 92 eyes.

13 eyes in the covid era vs 7 eyes in pre-covid era required additional intervention for recurrence. Mean follow-up visits after intervention was 4 during the covid era versus 8 during the non-covid era. Follow-up was missed for 19.2 weeks during covid.

Conclusion: A forced reduction in the number of follow-up visits did not alter the prognosis and outcomes of children diagnosed and treated for APROP.