The Pan American Health Organization's Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Follow-up of Newborns at Risk recommend that the frequency of check-ups be, according to each aspect to be evaluated, as shown in the following table:
Beyond the age of 2, children at risk should continue to be monitored, at least until they enter school.
To ensure the quality and safety of the retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening exam, the Pan American Health Organization's Clinical Practice Guidelines emphasize the importance of preparing the infant for fundus examination, including appropriate pain management and comfort during the procedure.
Before the ROP screening exam, to dilate the newborn's pupil, it is recommended:
After discharge from neonatal care, specialized follow-up is recommended to maintain the care of at-risk newborns.
Based on their individual risk factors, specialized follow-up of babies helps maintain survival and allows for early detection, therapeutic management, and timely intervention of certain consequences associated with perinatal disorders that are not detected in the early stages.
Based on the highest level of evidence available, the Pan American Health Organization's Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend that the first ROP screening test be performed according to a schedule that considers gestational age and the time of the first ROP screening. In all cases, newborns at risk of ROP should have at least one ROP screening before being discharged from the neonatal unit.
Given their social and biological risk factors, premature, small, or sick newborns must meet certain criteria for safe hospital discharge.