Related Experiment Videos
Changing patterns in retinopathy of prematurity
Insights
Survival rates for premature infants have improved, leading to a decrease in cicatricial retinopathy of prematurity. However, more premature infants are surviving, potentially increasing the overall number of cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Improved survival rates for premature infants over the past two decades.
- Previous studies indicated varying incidences of retinopathy of prematurity based on birth weight.
- Need to reassess current incidence due to changing survival demographics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the current incidence of cicatricial retinopathy of prematurity in a cohort of premature infants.
- To compare current findings with data from a decade prior.
- To analyze the relationship between birth weight and the development of retinopathy of prematurity.
Main Methods:
- Prospective examination of 197 consecutive premature infants.
- Regular follow-up examinations until 6 months of age.
- Categorization of infants based on birth weight (<1,000 g, 1,001–1,250 g, >1,250 g).
Main Results:
- Changes affecting visual acuity were observed in 22% of infants <1,000 g birth weight.
- Incidence was 10% for infants between 1,001–1,250 g and 0% for those >1,250 g.
- A significant reduction in the overall incidence of retinopathy of prematurity was noted compared to a decade ago.
Conclusions:
- Despite a reduced incidence, the increasing survival of profoundly premature infants may lead to a rise in the absolute number of retinopathy of prematurity cases.
- Continued monitoring and management strategies are crucial for surviving premature infants.
- Birth weight remains a critical factor in assessing the risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity.
Abstract:
In the past 20 years, the survival rates for premature infants have improved. To reassess the incidence of cicatricial retinopathy of prematurity, 197 consecutive premature infants were examined. Each child was seen at intervals until age 6 months. Changes that could influence visual acuity were found in 22% of those with birth weight less than 1,000 g; 10% of those between 1,001 and 1,250 g; and 0% of those greater than 1,250 g. These findings were compared to a similar study performed at our university a decade earlier. A significant reduction in the incidence of premature retinopathy was demonstrated. However, because greater numbers of profoundly premature infants are surviving, the number of children with retinopathy of prematurity appears to be increasing.