Screening for retinopathy of prematurity in South of Iran

The purpose of this study is to report the screening data for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at a screening center in Southern Iran.

A chart review was performed of all screened neonates who were referred to Poostchi screening center affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from February 2006 to January 2010. Statistical analysis of data was performed with the Chi-square and independent t-test where appropriate. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Of 787 infants referred, 293 (37.2%) had some form of ROP and 77 cases (9.8%) had plus disease, only 6 (2%) patients progressed to advanced ROP stages 4 and 5. The mean gestational age (GA) of patients with ROP (ROP group) was statistically significantly lower at 29.46 ± 2.31 weeks compared to patients without ROP (non-ROP group) (31.56 ± 2.03 weeks) (P < 0.05). The mean GA of patients with plus disease was statistically significantly lower at 28.92 ± 2.18 weeks compared to patients without plus disease (30.98 ± 2.30 weeks) (P < 0.05). The mean birth weight in the ROP group was statistically significantly lower at 1248.46 ± 301.75 g compared to the non-ROP group (1485.79 ± 268.66 g) (P < 0.05). The mean birth weight of patients with plus disease was statistically significantly lower at 1207.92 ± 334.79 g compared to patients without plus disease (417.99 ± 293.19 g) (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the occurrence of ROP or plus disease between single or multiple births, normal vaginal delivery, and caesarian section and between clomiphene users and nonusers (P > 0.05, all cases).

Greater cooperation between ophthalmologists, neonatologists, gynecologists, and health policy makers is necessary to optimize ROP screening programs. Data from this study can be used by health policy makers for implementation of health programs. These programs must include screening guidelines and effective coordination among the screening centers, antenatal, obstetric, and neonatal care services.