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Retinopathy of prematurity in extremely low birth weight infants in Turkey
Selim Demir1, Osman Sayin, Canan Aygün
1Department of Ophthalmology, Gaziosmanpasa University Faculty of Medicine, Tokat, Turkey. dr.selimdemir@yahoo.com
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects a significant number of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, with many requiring treatment. Advancements in neonatal care necessitate specialized ophthalmological expertise for ROP diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Advances in neonatal intensive care have increased the survival rates of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, a population at high risk for ROP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence rate of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.
- To analyze ROP prevalence and treatment needs in a specific Turkish region.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 1,719 preterm infants born between January 2003 and September 2011.
- Focus on 225 ELBW infants (birth weight < 1,000 g).
- ROP classification based on the international classification of retinopathy.
Main Results:
- 47.6% of ELBW infants had advanced ROP, 23.1% had mild ROP, and 29.3% had no ROP.
- 30.2% of all ELBW infants required ROP treatment.
- ROP incidence was similar in multiple births (75.6%) and singleton births (69.6%).
Conclusions:
- High incidence rates of advanced ROP observed in extremely premature infants with low gestational ages.
- A substantial proportion of ELBW infants necessitate ROP treatment.
- Increased survival of ELBW infants highlights the need for specialized ophthalmological care for ROP.
Purpose:
This study was designed to determine the incidence rate of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants in the middle Black Sea region of Turkey.
Methods:
The charts of 1,719 preterm infants were reviewed between January 2003 and September 2011. Of them, 225 (13.1%) infants with birth weights of less than 1,000 g were enrolled in the study. ROP was classified according to the international classification of retinopathy.
Results:
Of the 225 ELBW infants, 47.6% had advanced ROP, 23.1% had mild ROP, and 29.3% did not have ROP; 30.2% infants required treatment. ROP was detected in 75.6% of multiple births versus 69.6% of singleton births; there were no significant differences between the two groups (P = .388).
Conclusion:
Extremely premature infants with low gestational ages had high incidence rates of advanced ROP. Most ELBW infants require ROP treatment. In addition, increased survival of ELBW infants owing to advancements in neonatal care warrants the specialization of ophthalmologists in regard to improved diagnosis and treatment of ROP.
