Multicenter validation study of the WINROP algorithm as a method for detecting retinopathy of prematurity.

Purpose: To assess the validity of the online WINROP algorithm in two Spanish populations of premature infants.Materials and methods: The study population consisted of 502 premature infants born in the San Cecilio University Hospital of Granada and the Regional University Hospital of Málaga in the years 2000-2015. The WINROP algorithm was used to determine an alarm threshold for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The results were compared with those obtained from serial examinations of premature infants.

Results

The global WINROP algorithm showed a sensitivity of 62%, specificity of 74%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 59%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 77%. This algorithm showed a greater sensitivity (76%) to identify severe ROP.

Conclusions

The WINROP screening algorithm in this study showed moderate sensitivity, so many ROP cases amenable to treatment were not detected. Other criteria should be added to the algorithm to increase the sensitivity.