IngentaConnect Surveillance for retinopathy of prematurity in a Danish county. E...

Abstract:

. Purpose:

An updated analysis of the trends in a Danish county regarding retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), outlining its natural history over the years 1982-2001. Methods:

Epidemiological data are given of the 132 infants in the county with birth years 1998-2001 prospectively under surveillance for ROP. The customary national screening limits of gestational age (GA) and birthweight (BW) of 32 weeks/1750 g were generally adhered to. The findings are compared to five previous consecutive reports of a similar set-up, now making a total of 1123 who have been under surveillance. Results:

With focus on the 20 years' newborns at a higher risk for ROP in the county (GA/BW both under the above limits; n = 591) the continuous improvement up to 1998 − as reflected by ROP frequency, its severity, and risk levels according to GA/BW − appears to have been interrupted. Compared to the previous 4-year period, the percentage acquiring ROP in 1998-2001 increased from 10 to 31%, and four recent cases qualified for retinal ablation therapy, compared with zero in the previous 4-year period. However, there were no advanced stages (of at least ROP 3) in infants above 30 weeks/1500 g at delivery. Conclusions:

(a) Using the ROP also as a neonatal treatment quality parameter, the present trend (progress stopped) should be followed attentively. So far, we have no clues regarding therapy-related or other causality. (b) Despite the suggested worsening, a lowering of the ophthalmic GA and BW screening limits now seems justifiable. With a view also to the high-risk Copenhagen data and the national childhood visual impairment register, a reduction of the values to 31 weeks/1500 g should be considered.

Keywords: retinopathy of prematurity (ROP); epidemiology of ROP; gestational age; birthweight; trends over two decades

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1046/j.1600-0420.2003.00199.x

Affiliations: 1: Eye Departments, Hillerød Sygehus and Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Surveillance for retinopathy of prematurity in a Danish county. Epidemiological experience over 20 years