Retinopathy of prematurity: screening guidelines need to be reevaluated for developing countries

Timely screening of premature babies is an important initial step in the management of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) as earlier treatment results in improved visual prognosis. Screening criteria for ROP currently recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics may not be applicable in developing countries. The aim of the present study is to find out the incidence of ROP in infants with a gestational age (GA) of > or = 32 weeks in Eskisehir, Turkey, to provide information to assist in determining screening criteria.

A total of 96 infants with a GA of 32-35 weeks who were referred for ROP between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2008, were studied. ROP screening, follow-up, and appropriate therapies were applied.

During ROP screening, there were 42 of 96 (43.8%) infants with no ROP. A total of 54/96 (56.2%) infants were noted to have ROP. Among all infants, 7 (7.3%) had threshold ROP. Two infants with threshold disease were born at the 32nd, 2 at the 33rd, and 3 at the 34th week of gestation. The mean birthweight was 1857.9 (range 1060-3200) grams. CONCLUSIONS. In our study, it was found that more mature infants may also develop threshold ROP and require early treatment. After more information is gained and widespread screening, screening protocols covering more mature infants can be designed especially for developing countries.