Results of the National Program for the Prevention of Blindness in Childhood by Retinopathy of Prematurity in Argentina (2004-2016).

Abstract

The ROP Argentina Group was created in 2003 and is responsible for the National Program for the Prevention of Blindness in Childhood by Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in Argentina. To describe the program implementation and results achieved in relation to ROP care in terms of effectiveness, access, and quality (2004-2016). Descriptive, retrospective study with a dynamic cohort carried out in facilities that are part of the registry. Eligible population: All preterm newborn infants with risk factors for ROP. Participating health care services increased from 14 to 98 and covered the 23 provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. A total of 956 infants were born with < 1500 g in 2004 and 2739, in 2016. Of these, 22.7 % had some degree of ROP and 7.8 % required treatment (severe ROP). Vision screening exceeded 90 %, and treatments at the place of origin increased (57 %-92 %). The incidence of unusual cases is still high (17.3 % of treated cases), and missed opportunities are still recorded. The use of anti-angiogenic drugs trebled since 2011, when they started to be used. Significant achievements were observed in terms of program representativeness, scope, and adherence, and also in relation to screening access and treatment at the place of origin; however, the incidence of ROP is still high. The persistence of unusual cases and missed opportunities evidences deficiencies in the quality of health care and outpatient followup and underlines the need to strengthen the program actions in relation to services.