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[Studies on the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity]
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity affects 5.8% of infants, with incidence rising to 25% in those under 1000g birth weight. Early detection is crucial, as 44% of blind children missed timely ophthalmological exams.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Incidence and severity of ROP are strongly correlated with gestational age and birth weight.
- Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is an additional risk factor for ROP.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity in a cohort of preterm infants and children with IUGR.
- To analyze the relationship between birth weight and ROP development and severity.
- To highlight the importance of timely ophthalmological screening for ROP.
Summary:
- A study examined 1009 preterm infants and children with IUGR for ROP.
- ROP developed in 5.8% of all infants, but in 25% of those weighing under 1000g.
- Bilateral blindness occurred in 0.9% overall and 11.5% of infants under 1000g; 44% of blind children were diagnosed late.
Impact:
- Establishes incidence rates of ROP in a specific at-risk population.
- Underscores the critical role of low birth weight as a predictor for ROP and subsequent blindness.
- Emphasizes the need for timely and accessible ophthalmological examinations to prevent severe visual impairment from ROP.
Abstract:
The paper presents the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity, based on the examinations of 1009 preterm infants and children with intrauterine growth retardation. The disease developed in 5.8% of all examined children but in the infants with birth weight under 1000g it was observed in 25%. In children with birth weight above 2000g, retinopathy was almost absent. Bilateral blindness was observed in 0.9% of the examined and in 11.5% children with the birth weight under 1000g. 44% blind children have appeared too late for ophthalmological examination.