[Retinopathy of prematurity: casuistics between 1996 and 2001]

Area of Science:

• Neonatal ophthalmology
• Perinatal medicine
• Public health

Background:

• Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of neurosensory impairment in premature infants.
• Understanding ROP's incidence and risk factors is crucial for early intervention and improved outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence, risk factors, treatment, and outcomes of ROP in infants born before 32 weeks gestation.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of laser therapy in managing ROP.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study was conducted on premature infants (<= 32 weeks gestation) born between 1995 and 2001.
• Ocular evaluations were performed from 4-6 weeks of life, repeated bi-weekly until complete retinal vascularization.
• Bivariate analysis compared infants with and without ROP, assessing ocular sequelae and visual function.

Main Results:

• ROP incidence was 22.8% (74/324 infants), with 3.7% having stage 3 ROP.
• A significant inverse correlation was found between ROP incidence and gestational age/birth weight.
• Laser therapy yielded optimal results, with low rates of ocular sequelae (2.7%) and visual function alterations (1.7%).

Conclusions:

• The incidence of ROP in this cohort was comparable to other centers, strongly linked to identified risk factors.
• Severe ROP stages were not observed in infants born after 30 weeks gestation.
• Laser therapy proved effective, leading to better ocular and visual outcomes compared to untreated cases.