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Retinopathy of prematurity: the continuing threat to vision in preterm infants. Dutch survey from 1986 to 1994
1E.C. Donders Institute of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Insights
Despite increased screening and treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), the incidence of ROP-related blindness in infants rose. This increase is linked to more surviving extremely premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness.
- Improved neonatal care has increased survival rates of extremely premature infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess trends in ROP-related visual impairment in The Netherlands.
- To investigate factors associated with changes in ROP incidence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of registered cases of ROP-related blindness in infants.
- Comparison of data from two Dutch national surveys (1975-1987 and 1986-1994).
Main Results:
- The annual incidence of ROP-related visual impairment increased from 4.2 to 5.1 per 100,000 live births.
- Screening and treatment rates for ROP significantly increased during the study period.
- The rise in incidence correlated with an increased survival of infants born before 28 weeks of gestation.
Conclusions:
- Despite advancements in ROP screening and treatment, the overall incidence of ROP-related blindness has increased.
- The growing number of surviving extremely premature infants is a significant factor contributing to this trend.
- Continued vigilance and research are necessary to address ROP in this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
From January 1st 1986 until January 1st 1994, 82 infants were registered in The Netherlands as partially sighted or blind due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Compared with the previous Dutch survey (1975-1987) an increasing number of registered infants had been screened for ROP during their initial hospitalization (95.1% vs. 54.1%) and had ophthalmic treatment in the acute stages of the disease (43.9% vs. 24.5%). Nevertheless, an increase in the annual incidence of partial sight or blindness due to ROP from 4.2/100,000 live births (1975-1987) to 5.1/100,000 live births (1986-1994) was found. This increase seemed to be associated with a higher number of surviving premature infants of less than 28 weeks gestational age.