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Epidemiology of ROP in the Stockholm area of Sweden
G Holmström1, M el Azazi, L Jacobson
1Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affected 40.4% of infants born weighing 1500g or less. Screening for ROP is recommended for premature infants born at 32 weeks gestation or earlier.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Population-based data on ROP epidemiology in specific regions are crucial for understanding disease burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in a defined Swedish population.
- To determine the incidence of ROP in infants with low birth weight.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, population-based study was conducted in a defined geographical area of Sweden.
- Included 260 infants with birth weight ≤ 1500 g surviving at least 8 weeks.
- ROP screening and diagnosis were performed.
Main Results:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was observed in 40.4% of the studied infants.
- The incidence highlights a substantial burden of ROP in this low birth weight cohort.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of ROP was found in infants born weighing 1500 g or less.
- Screening for ROP is strongly suggested for premature infants with a gestational age of 32 weeks or less.
Abstract:
A prospective, population-based study of the epidemiology of ROP in a well-defined geographical area of Sweden was performed. Two hundred and sixty children with a birth weight of 1500 g or less, and surviving for at least eight weeks, were included in the study. ROP was seen in 40.4% of the children. We suggest that prematurely born children with a gestational age of 32 weeks or less ought to be screened for ROP.