A 12‐year experience of retinopathy of prematurity in infants ≤28 weeks gestation or ≤1000g birthweight

Abstract

This study reported the prevalence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in less than or equal to 28 weeks gestation or less than or equal to 1000 g birthweight infants over a 12-year period. Among 328 survivors of less than or equal to 28 weeks gestation, 30% had ROP, 12% had severe ROP of Stage 3 or worse, 5% had at least one blind eye and 3% were bilaterally blind. Among 201 survivors of less than or equal to 1000 g birthweight, the above abnormalities were found in 40, 16, 6 and 4% respectively. In both cohorts there was a significant increase in the prevalence of ROP and severe ROP between the period 1977-80 and 1981-84, but the lesser increase observed between the periods 1981-84 and 1985-88 was not statistically significant. The rates of ROP-induced blindness were not significantly different between the three 4-year periods. An inverse relationship was noted between the prevalence of ROP and gestational age. The results suggest a resurgence of ROP in less than or equal to 28 weeks or less than or equal to 1000 g infants, the cause of which is uncertain. In view of this trend, continued surveillance of ROP is warranted.