Zone 1 retinopathy of prematurity in a transitional economy: a cautionary note.

PURPOSE: To describe three low risk infants in whom severe retinopathy of prematurity developed.

DESIGN

A prospective, observational case series.

METHODS

setting: National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi, Vietnam. study population: Premature infants in the neonatal ward. observation procedure: Eye examinations.

RESULTS

Severe retinopathy of prematurity occurred in three infants. All had zone 1 disease and other unusually severe findings, such as neovascularization of the disk. These infants would not be at risk for the development of such severe retinopathy of prematurity in countries with a developed economy.

CONCLUSIONS

Unusual characteristics of retinopathy of prematurity may be occurring in countries with transitional economies. Screening programs should be implemented and should take into consideration the possibility that retinopathy of prematurity may occur in infants who fall outside the screening guidelines that are used in the developed world.