Screening for retinopathy of prematurity in a tertiary care newborn unit in Turkey: frequency, outcomes, and risk factor analysis.

PURPOSE: To report the frequency, risk factors, and outcomes of screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

METHODS

Data of neonates with a gestational age of 34 weeks or less were analyzed and the predictors on the development of ROP were determined by using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 318 neonates, the frequency of ROP was 37.1% for any stage and 7.2% for stage 3 or greater. Treatment was needed in 16.1% of neonates with ROP. No treatment was required in neonates with a gestational age of greater than 32 weeks. Oxygen therapy, sepsis, gestational age of 32 weeks or less, and birth weight of less than 1,250 g were determined as the independent risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Although frequency of ROP in Turkey is similar to that in the United States, the rate of severe ROP necessitating treatment seems to be higher in Turkey. Neonates with a gestational age of 32 weeks or less, a birth weight of less than 1,250 g, sepsis, and oxygen therapy may have a greater risk of developing ROP and screening should be intensified in the presence of these risk factors.