Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of Treatment Requiring Retinopathy of Prematurity in Big Premature Infants in Turkiye: Report No. 1 (BIG-ROP Study)

Abstract

Plain Language SummaryRetinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a serious eye condition that affects premature babies, sometimes leading to blindness. Babies born at more than 32 weeks of pregnancy or weighing over 1,500 g are generally considered less at risk. However, in low- and middle-income countries where neonatal intensive care is not optimal, these bigger and more mature babies can still develop severe ROP requiring treatment (TR-ROP). This study is the first of its kind to examine how having both an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) and a baby care specialist (neonatologist) in the same hospital affects the development of TR-ROP in different regions across Turkiye. The study found that bigger babies often show signs of ROP at their first eye exam and that the condition can worsen quickly. This aggressive form of ROP, similar to a severe type called A-ROP, progresses rapidly. The findings suggest that these bigger babies need to be screened earlier than 4 weeks after birth. The study recommends expanding ROP screening programs to include larger infants, especially in developing areas of Turkiye. These recommendations could also apply to other developing countries facing similar challenges.