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Retinopathy of prematurity in a Danish neonatal intensive care unit, 1985-1991
1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects premature infants, with some developing blindness or severe vision loss. Infants with ROP often require more intensive care and may experience long-term neurological issues.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal ophthalmology
- Perinatal medicine
- Public health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in preterm infants.
- Early identification and management of ROP are crucial for preventing severe visual outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a Danish cohort of very low birth weight infants.
- To compare characteristics and outcomes of infants with and without ROP.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 170 infants born between 1985-1991 with birthweight <= 1500g and gestational age <= 32 weeks.
- Ophthalmoscopic examinations were performed to diagnose ROP.
- Infants with ROP were compared to those without ROP regarding various clinical factors.
Main Results:
- Forty-five infants (26.5%) were diagnosed with ROP.
- Infants with ROP had significantly lower gestational age (27-29 weeks), more asphyxia, intensive treatment, and complications.
- Eighteen infants with ROP developed blindness or severely reduced vision; 8 developed severe myopia.
- Infants with ROP showed a higher incidence of long-term central nervous system sequels.
Conclusions:
- Gestational age, asphyxia, and intensive care are associated with ROP development in high-risk infants.
- ROP poses a substantial risk for severe visual impairment and myopia.
- Infants with ROP are at increased risk for neurological deficits, highlighting the need for comprehensive follow-up.
Abstract:
During the 7 year period 1985 to 1991, 170 infants born in Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark, with birthweight < or = 1500 g and gestational age < or = 32 completed weeks survived at least 8 weeks or more and had eye examinations carried out. Forty-five infants had ophthalmoscopic evidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Eighteen developed blindness or severely reduced vision and 6 developed unilateral blindness. In 21 the ROP changes regressed. Eight infants eventually developed severe myopia. The 45 infants with ROP were compared with the 125 without ROP. There was no difference in birth weight, gender, or mode of delivery. Significant difference was found in gestational age, asphyxia, intensive treatment and complications. Particularly infants with ROP born with gestational age 27 to 29 weeks needed prolonged and more intensive treatment than infants without ROP. Infants with ROP had more frequently long term sequels from the central nervous system than infants without ROP.