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Incidence of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Bahrain, 2002-2011
Ebtisam K Al Alawi1, Mohamed Shaker Al Omran1, Ebtihal H Al Bahrana1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Alsalmaniya, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects one-fifth of premature infants in Bahrain. Infants weighing less than 1000 grams had a significantly higher risk of developing ROP.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Early detection and management are crucial to prevent severe visual outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants in Bahrain.
- To identify risk factors associated with ROP development in this population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of premature infants (gestation age ≤32 weeks, birth weight ≤1500 g) admitted to Salmaniya Medical Complex NICU.
- Infants were screened for ROP between 2002 and 2011.
- Data on ROP incidence, birth weight, and gestational age were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- A total of 1795 premature infants were included in the study.
- The overall incidence of ROP was 20.4%.
- Infants with a birth weight less than 1000 g had a significantly higher risk of ROP (OR = 2.3).
Conclusions:
- Approximately one-fifth of premature infants in Bahrain develop ROP.
- Low birth weight (<1000 g) is a significant risk factor for ROP.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted ROP screening in high-risk premature infants.
Purpose:
The purpose was to determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Bahrain.
Designs And Methods:
premature infants (gestation age ≤32 weeks, birth weight ≤1500 g) admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Salmaniya Medical Complex were examined based on a predetermined screening protocol. The first examination was performed at 4-6 weeks of age, from January 1, 2002 to December 3, 2011. Data were collected on the type and incidence of each of ROP, birth weight, and age. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.
Results:
A total of 1795 premature infants comprised the study population. Group 1 (<1000 g), and Group II (1000-1500 g), included 700 (39%) and 1095 (61%) infants. ROP was detected in 367 (20.4%) infants (95% CI = 18.6-22.3). The proportions of stage III ROP, stage III threshold disease requiring laser retinal photocoagulation and stage IV were 19%, 6%, and 1%, respectively. There were 68 (18.5%) infants with stage III ROP, 21 infants with Stage III ROP with threshold, and 5 infants with stage IV ROP requiring vitreoretinal surgery. There were 203 (80%) infants with a birth weight <1000 g. Birth weight of <1000 g was significantly associated to ROP [OR = 2.3 (95% CI = 1.8-2.9)].
Conclusion:
One-fifth of premature infants had ROP in Bahrain. Birth weight <1000 g was a risk factor for ROP.
