CD69 expression potentially predicts response to bendamustine and its modulation by ibrutinib or idelalisib enhances cytotoxic effect in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

BACKGROUND

We aimed to determine the risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and investigate the effects of the expanded screening criteria according to the 2021 update of the Turkish Neonatology Society guidelines on the clinical outcomes of premature infants and the incidence of severe ROP.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: Patient records of infants treated in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between January-December 2020 and January-December 2023, who were identified as at-risk for ROP were retrospectively analyzed. Infants with severe ROP were compared with those without ROP or with mild ROP not requiring treatment in terms of risk factors.

RESULTS

Among the cohort of 169 patients at risk of ROP, the median gestational age was 30.2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 27.4-32.1) weeks and the median birth weight was 1354 g (IQR: 920-1760). Severe ROP was detected in 2.9% (n=5) of the premature infants included in the study. When comparing the periods before and after the 2021 guideline update, the incidence of severe ROP was found to be 3.7% vs. 2.2%, respectively (p=0.085). After the 2021 update, the number of infants examined at ≥33 weeks increased approximately 2.5-fold, but no severe ROP was detected in this group. Small gestational age, low birth weight, multiple erythrocyte suspension transfusions, patent ductus arteriosus, prolonged oxygen duration, and prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation were found to be statistically significant risk factors for severe ROP (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

ROP is a significant cause of disability in extremely premature infants. Early diagnosis and treatment with optimum screening criteria can reduce permanent visual damage. As the premature population at risk for ROP evolves, screening criteria must also adapt. The 2021 ROP guideline states that, due to variations in quality of care and patient populations, each center may define its own optimal screening criteria based on local data. However, it is essential to use the expanded 2021 criteria within national ROP screening programs.