Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Score to predict severe retinopathy in Indian preterm infants.

BACKGROUND

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) screenings are expensive and entail heavy workload. Predictive models using postnatal weight gain reduces the number of ophthalmological examinations. The objective was to validate Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) score to predict severe ROP in resource limited settings.

METHODS

Prior to ophthalmic examination, the CHOP score was calculated to predict severe ROP (point estimate = 0.014) in 191 preterm infants. Cut-off point estimate, most suitable in resource limited settings was assessed.

RESULTS

CHOP Score cutoff point (0.014) showed 67% sensitivity, 75% specificity. With CHOP score cut-off point (0.010), the corresponding values were 100% sensitivity, 51% specificity, PPV 12% and NPV 100%.

CONCLUSION

CHOP Score (0.014) is a poor tool to predict the onset of severe ROP. However, CHOP Score (0.010) is a promising tool to predict the onset of severe ROP and reduces the need for ophthalmological examinations by 50% in resource limited settings.