Yunling E. Du

Remote image based retinopathy of prematurity diagnosis: a receiver operating characteristic analysis of accuracy

Background/aims: Telemedicine offers potential to improve the accessibility and quality of diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The aim of this study was to measure accuracy of remote image based ROP diagnosis by three readers using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Methods: 64 hospitalised infants who met ROP examination criteria underwent two consecutive bedside procedures: dilated examination by an experienced paediatric ophthalmologist and digital retinal imaging with a commercially available wide angle camera. 410 images from 163 eyes were reviewed independently by three trained ophthalmologist readers, who classified each eye into one of four categories: no ROP, mild ROP, type 2 prethreshold ROP, or ROP requiring treatment. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of mild or worse ROP, type 2 prethreshold or worse ROP, and ROP requiring treatment were determined, compared to a reference standard of dilated ophthalmoscopy. ROC curves were generated by calculating values for each reader at three diagnostic cut-off levels: mild or worse ROP (that is, reader was asked whether image sets represented mild or worse ROP), type 2 prethreshold or worse ROP (that is, reader was asked whether image sets represented type 2 prethreshold or worse ROP), and ROP requiring treatment. Results: Areas under ROC curves ranged from 0.747–0.896 for detection of mild or worse ROP, 0.905–0.946 for detection of type 2 prethreshold or worse ROP, and 0.941–0.968 for detection of ROP requiring treatment. Conclusions: Remote interpretation is highly accurate among multiple readers for the detection of ROP requiring treatment, but less so for detection of mild or worse ROP.

Retinopathy of Prematurity Management using Single-Image vs. Multiple-Image Telemedicine Examinations

PURPOSE To compare performance of single-image vs multiple-image telemedicine examinations for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) diagnosis. DESIGN Prospective comparative study. METHODS A total of 248 eyes from 67 consecutive infants underwent wide-angle retinal imaging by a trained neonatal nurse at 31 to 33 weeks and/or 35 to 37 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) at a single academic institution. Data were uploaded to a web-based telemedicine system and interpreted by three masked retinal specialists. Diagnoses were provided based on single images, and subsequently on multiple images, from both eyes of each infant. Findings were compared to a reference standard of indirect ophthalmoscopy by a pediatric ophthalmologist. Primary outcome measures were recommended follow-up interval, presence of plus disease, presence of type-2 or worse ROP, and presence of visible peripheral ROP. RESULTS Among the three graders, mean sensitivity/specificity for detection of infants requiring follow-up in less than one week were 0.85/0.93 by single-image examination and 0.91/0.88 by multiple-image examination at 35 to 37 weeks PMA. Mean sensitivity/specificity for detection of infants with type-2 or worse ROP were 0.82/0.95 by single-image examination and 1.00/0.91 by multiple-image examination at 35 to 37 weeks PMA. Mean sensitivity/specificity for detection of plus disease were 1.00/0.86 by single-image examination and 1.00/0.87 by multiple-image examination at 35 to 37 weeks PMA. There were no statistically-significant intragrader differences between accuracy of single-image and multiple-image telemedicine examinations for detection of plus disease. CONCLUSIONS Single-image and multiple-image telemedicine examinations perform comparably for determination of recommended follow-up interval and detection of plus disease. This may have implications for development of screening protocols, particularly in areas with limited access to ophthalmic care.

Parental perceptions toward digital imaging and telemedicine for retinopathy of prematurity management

BackgroundTelemedicine is an emerging technology with potential to improve care for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This study evaluates parental perceptions about digital imaging and telemedicine for ROP care.MethodsDuring a 1-year period, one parent of each infant who underwent wide-field retinal imaging for ROP was given a questionnaire designed to evaluate parental perceptions using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Five items assessed perceptions toward digital retinal imaging, and ten items assessed attitudes toward telemedicine. Construct validity of the questionnaire was examined using factor analysis. Responses were summarized using descriptive and correlational statistics.ResultsForty-two parents participated. Factor analysis extracted two factors explaining 79% of the total variance in digital retinal imaging items (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.843), and three factors explaining 63% of the total variance in telemedicine items (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.631). Among digital imaging items, the highest mean (±SD) score was for “digital pictures of my child’s retinopathy should be included in the permanent medical record” (4.4 ± 0.6), and the lowest was for “digital cameras and computers are reliable” (3.8 ± 0.8). Among telemedicine items, the highest mean (±SD) score was for “technology will improve the quality of medical care for my child” (4.3 ± 0.6), and the lowest was for “technology will make it harder for a patient and doctor to establish a good relationship” (2.6 ± 1.1).ConclusionsParents reported positive perceptions about telemedical ROP diagnosis, but expressed some preference for face-to-face care. Telemedicine has potential to alter the nature of the patient–physician relationship.