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Retinopathy of prematurity: screening and treatment in Costa Rica

Ana Catalina Tabarez-Carvajal1, Milagro Montes-Cantillo1, Kelly H Unkrich2

  • 1National Children's Hospital of Dr Carlos Sáenz Herrera, San Jose, Costa Rica.

The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 14, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affected 19.4% of preterm infants in Costa Rica (2010-2014). Most ROP cases required laser treatment, with severe visual impairment rare in this screening program.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neonatology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in preterm infants.
  • Effective screening and timely treatment are crucial for preventing severe visual outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze demographic data, risk factors, and treatment outcomes for ROP in Costa Rica.
  • To evaluate the current ROP screening and treatment protocols within the national healthcare system.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records for preterm infants (≤34 weeks GA or ≤1750g BW) from January 2010 to December 2014.
  • Data collected included ROP incidence, risk factors, treatment rates, and outcomes.
  • Comparison with international screening criteria and ROP incidence data.

Main Results:

  • A total of 3018 preterm infants were included in the study.
  • ROP was diagnosed in 19.4% (585/3018) of infants.
  • Laser treatment was required for 15.4% (90/585) of ROP cases, with 53% having a birth weight <1000g.
  • Severe visual impairment occurred in 0.07% (2/3018) of screened infants.

Conclusions:

  • Comprehensive data on ROP care in Costa Rica were established.
  • The findings allow for the assessment and comparison of ROP screening criteria and treatment protocols.
  • The study highlights the effectiveness of the implemented screening program in minimizing severe visual impairment.
Abstract

Keywords:
Child health (paediatrics)Retina

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