New studies – DROPROP

Study to establish whether topically applied eye drops with dexamethasone reduces the need for laser treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

The aim is to investigate whether eye drops with dexamethasone can reduce the risk of ROP requiring laser treatment. Preliminary data suggest that this is the case, but this must now be confirmed in a scientific study.

DROPROP is a randomized, multicenter study that includes a total of 100 children in Sweden, born before 30 weeks. About 10 hospitals, including Norrland University Hospital, are included.

The children are randomized so that 50 children are treated with dexamethasone and 50 children are treated with placebo.

Treatment lasts a maximum of 12 weeks.

The primary outcome is the need for laser treatment of the eye.

Follow-up of the children’s visual function is done at 2.5 and 5 years of age. If the treatment works, which we hope and believe, prematurely born children will in the future less often require laser treatment for ROP and the treatment may also give them better vision and health in the long term.