4-Year Prevalence and Outcome of Initial Screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity in a Tertiary Hospital

To determine the 4-year prevalence and outcome of initial screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among newborn infants in a tertiary hospital.

Medical records of infants screened for ROP at a tertiary hospital were reviewed. Findings on initial examination and outcomes on follow-up were recorded. Prevalence was determined using frequencies and percentages. Statistical analyses correlating ROP to age of gestation and birth weight were done using chi square.

Fifty eyes of 25 infants, 9 boys and 16 girls with mean birth weight (BW) of 1318 grams and mean age of gestation (AOG) of 31 weeks, were included in the study. Nine eyes were positive for ROP with a prevalence of 18%. One eye had stage 4 zone II ROP with plus disease. Three eyes had stage 3 ROP with plus disease. Five eyes had Stage 1 zone III ROP. Regression was noted on follow-up after treatment. Statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between BW and ROP staging (χ2= 6.50) but significant correlation between AOG and ROP staging (χ2= 13.69).

Despite the increasing prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity worldwide, only a small number of infants were identified on initial screening at a tertiary hospital from 2008 to 2012. Some of these patients came back for follow up and showed significant improvement from baseline after treatment. There was a significant correlation between AOG and ROP staging.

Keywords: Retinopathy of prematurity, Screening, Age of gestation, Birth weight