Outcomes of Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening at a Tertiary Government Hospital

To determine the outcomes of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening at a tertiary government hospital.

Medical records of premature infants who underwent ROP screening at a tertiary government hospital from January 2008 to July 2012 were obtained. Eventual outcomes of the ROP screening were collated and analyzed.

A total of 194 premature infants (388 eyes) were included in the study. Forty six (23.71%) infants developed some form of ROP of which 41 (90.21%) had bilateral disease. Of the 388 eyes, 92 (23.71%) were diagnosed with ROP. Thirty-five eyes (38.08%) with ROP were classified as stage 2, 23 (25.00%) stage 1, and 13 (14.13%) stage 3. Twelve eyes (13.04%) diagnosed with ROP received treatment that included laser therapy in 4 eyes (33.33%), intravitreal bevacizumab injection in 4 eyes (33.33%), cryotherapy in one eye (8.33%), and laser therapy plus intravitreal bevacizumab injection in 3 eyes (25%). Seven eyes (7.60%) required treatment but parents did not comply. Sixteen patients (10.81%) without ROP and 27 patients (57.61%) with ROP had follow-up examinations. Of the 54 eyes with ROP that were followed up, only 26 eyes had refraction. Twelve eyes (46.15%) were hyperopic, 12 (46.15%) myopic, and two (7.69%) emmetropic. Among 16 eyes without ROP with follow-up examination, 14 eyes (87.50%) had hyperopia and two (12.50%) myopia. The follow-up rate for this study was 22.16%.

There was a low follow-up rate for premature babies screened for ROP at a tertiary government center. No association was found between presence of ROP and refractive outcomes, and between refractive outcomes and treatment received.

Keywords: Retinopathy of prematurity, Prevalence, Follow up rate, Refractive outcomes