Reliability of retinopathy of prematurity diagnosis by analyzing digital images using telemedicine system.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate interobserver´s concordance in retinopathy of prematurity diagnosis and treatment by analyzing digital images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: descriptive, comparative observational study. The study sample was made up of 14 reconstructed retinal pictures obteined in 5 eyes of 3 low-birth-weight infants taken using a wide-angle fundus digital camera Retcam 120 (Clarity Medical Systems, Pleasanton, CA). All the images were examined by 1 experinced ophthalmologist and 6 ophthalmologist trained previously in digital image analysis. Retinographies were graded according to the systems Interantional Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity revisited (ICROP) and Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ETROP). Interobserver´s concordance was assessed for each of the 6 specialist ophthalmologists regarding the ROP.