Which stage of ROP is characterized by extraretinal fibrovascular proliferation?

The stage of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) characterized by extraretinal fibrovascular proliferation is indeed Stage III. At this stage, there is significant development of abnormal blood vessels, which extends beyond the retina and into the surrounding tissues. This proliferation is indicative of a more severe form of the disease, reflecting the body's attempt to resolve ischemia in the retina but resulting in pathological changes that could threaten vision.

Understanding the progression of ROP is crucial for neonatal nurses, as it allows for timely recognition and intervention. In earlier stages, such as Stage I, there is mild retinal changes with no significant risk of visual impairment. Stage II involves more pronounced retinal changes but still does not feature the extraretinal fibrosis seen in Stage III. Stages IV and V involve further complications, including partial and total retinal detachment, respectively, but they do not specifically correlate with the extraretinal fibrovascular proliferation characteristic of Stage III.

Recognizing these differences enables healthcare professionals to monitor at-risk infants closely and implement appropriate treatment strategies to mitigate the potential for vision loss.