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Prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity in Iran: a systematic review and Meta-analysis
Saman Maroufizadeh1, Amir Almasi-Hashiani1, Reza Omani Samani1
1Department of Epidemiology and Reproductive Health, Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran 16635-148, Iran.
Insights
The overall prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Iran is 26.1%. Key risk factors include low birth weight and gestational age, necessitating improved care for preterm infants to reduce ROP incidence.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Understanding the prevalence of ROP is crucial for developing targeted public health interventions.
- Previous estimates of ROP prevalence in Iran were limited and lacked comprehensive analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the overall prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Iran.
- To synthesize existing data through a systematic review and Meta-analysis.
- To identify potential risk factors and inform preventive strategies for ROP.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and Meta-analysis of published studies on ROP prevalence in Iran.
- Searched international and national databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, IranMedex) from inception to May 2016.
- Employed random-effects Meta-analysis to calculate the pooled prevalence, assessing heterogeneity and publication bias.
Main Results:
- The pooled prevalence of ROP in Iran was estimated at 26.1% (95% CI: 20.3%-31.8%).
- Substantial statistical heterogeneity was observed among the included studies (I²=97.7%).
- Egger's test indicated the presence of publication bias (P=0.024).
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of ROP in Iran is notably high.
- Low birth weight and premature gestational age are identified as significant risk factors.
- Enhanced neonatal care, particularly oxygen management, is recommended to decrease ROP rates.
Aim:
To estimate overall prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Iran using a systematic review and Meta-analysis.
Methods:
A systematic review and Meta-analysis was performed of all published studies pertaining to prevalence of ROP using international and national electronic databases (ISI Web of Sciences, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, SID, MagIran, and IranMedex) from their inception until May 2016 with standard keywords. Begg and Egger tests were used to examine the publication bias and Cochran test and I2 statistics were used to evaluate the statistical heterogeneity. Pooled estimate of the prevalence of ROP were calculated using random effects Meta-analysis.
Results:
The publication bias assumption was rejected by Egger tests with P-value equal to 0.024. The results of Cochran test and I2 statistics revealed substantial heterogeneity (Q=1099.02, df=25, I2=97.7%, P=0.001). The overall prevalence of ROP using the random effect model in Iran was 26.1% (95% CI: 20.3%-31.8%).
Conclusion:
The prevalence of ROP is relatively high in Iran. Low birth weight and gestational age are significant risk factors for the disease. Improved care, including oxygen delivery and monitoring, for preterm babies in all facility settings would reduce the number of babies affected with ROP.
