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[Retinopathy of prematurity: incidence, severity and outcome]
N Martín Begué1, J Perapoch López
1Unidad de Oftalmología Pediátrica. Hospital Vall d'Hebron. Barcelona. España. nmartin@cs.vhebron.es
Insights
The incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants weighing less than 1,501g was 29.2%. Immaturity is the primary risk factor, prompting a revised screening program for threshold ROP.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Perinatal Medicine
Context:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Understanding ROP incidence and severity in low birth weight neonates is crucial for effective management.
- This study focuses on a specific cohort of infants with birth weights under 1,501 grams.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence, severity, and outcomes of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in neonates with birth weights below 1,501 grams.
- To identify key risk factors associated with ROP development in this vulnerable population.
- To inform and potentially modify existing screening protocols for ROP.
Summary:
- A prospective study of 178 infants (mean gestational age 29.8 weeks, mean birth weight 1,095g) identified an overall ROP incidence of 29.2%.
- Threshold ROP requiring treatment was observed in 5.6% of infants.
- Severe retinopathy was absent in infants with gestational age >30 weeks and birth weight >1,250g.
Impact:
- The findings indicate that infant immaturity is the most significant risk factor for ROP.
- This study led to adjustments in the screening program to ensure timely detection of all threshold ROP cases.
- Establishing local ROP incidence data aids in refining clinical practice and resource allocation for neonatal eye care.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, severity and outcome of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in neonates with birth weights of less than 1,501 g in our environment.
Methods:
A prospective study of infants with birth weights of less than 1,501 g was performed from January 1999 to June 2000. One hundred seventy-eight infants were enrolled in the study. Mean gestational age was 29.8 2.9 weeks and mean birth weight was 1,095 261.5 g.
Results:
Overall, 52 infants (29.2 %) developed ROP, of which 10 (5.6 %) presented threshold ROP requiring treatment. None of the infants with a gestational age of more than 30 weeks and a birth weight of more than 1,250 g presented severe retinopathy.
Conclusions:
The incidence found in the present study is similar to that of other studies. Immaturity is the most significant risk factors for the development of ROP. The results of our study led us to change our screening program to detect all threshold ROP.