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Screening criteria for retinopathy of prematurity in developing countries
Ipek Akman1, Utku Demirel, Ozlem Yenice
1Department of Neonatology, Marmara University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. ipekakman@yahoo.com
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening is crucial for preterm infants. This study found that screening babies born before 34 weeks gestation or weighing under 1850g is appropriate for our country.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of blindness in premature infants.
- Effective screening protocols are essential for early detection and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of ROP and treatment needs in preterm infants at a specific center.
- To establish appropriate ROP screening criteria for the country.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 801 preterm infants (gestational age < 37 weeks) were screened for ROP.
- Infants were categorized into three groups based on gestational age: <32 weeks (Group 1), 32-34 weeks (Group 2), and 35-37 weeks (Group 3).
- Clinical data and ROP screening results were systematically documented.
Main Results:
- ROP incidence was highest in Group 1 (50.9%), with 11.8% requiring treatment.
- Group 2 showed an ROP incidence of 25%, with 3.1% needing therapy.
- Group 3 had a 9.1% ROP incidence, with no cases requiring treatment. Gestational age, birthweight, ventilation, oxygen use, sepsis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were associated with ROP in Group 1.
Conclusions:
- ROP screening criteria should be adapted to local conditions, especially in developing nations.
- Screening all premature infants with a gestational age < 34 weeks or birthweight < 1850g is recommended for the country.
Purpose:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a serious problem which potentially can lead to blindness. The objective of this study is to detect the incidence of ROP and the number of preterm babies requiring treatment for ROP in our center and to establish the screening criteria for our country.
Methods:
A total of 801 babies with a gestational age less than 37 weeks were screened for ROP. Babies with a gestational age (GA) less than 32 weeks (n=348) were assigned as group 1. Babies with a GA between 32 and 34 weeks (n=335) were assigned as group 2 and between 35 and 37 weeks (n=98) were assigned as group 3. Clinical features and ROP screening results of the cases were documented.
Results:
In group 1, ROP was detected in 176 (50.9%) babies, 41 (11.8%) of whom were treated with laser/cryotherapy. In group 2, 83 (25%) cases of ROP were detected, and 11 of them (3.1%) required therapy. In group 3, 9 (9.1%) infants were diagnosed with ROP, and none of them required treatment. Clinical factors associated with ROP in group 1 were gestational age, birthweight, duration of ventilation, duration of oxygen supplementation, sepsis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Conclusions:
In developing countries, the criteria for ROP screening programs should be designed according to local conditions. In our country, screening all premature babies with a gestational age less than 34 weeks or a birthweight less than 1850 g appears to be appropriate.
