Implications of the severity of retinopathy of prematurity on childhood development.

This study investigated the severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and its relationship to childhood development. The subjects were 21 children with a birthweight of 2500 g or less who were tested for flash visual evoked potential (FVEP) at conceptual ages ranging from 1 to 3 years. We also examined 73 children with a birthweight of 1500 g or less, using the Developmental Quotient (DQ) test, at 2 1/2 years of age. Twenty-five of this group were given an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test at 6 to 7 years of age. The P100 latency of FVEP in the severe ROP group was significantly longer than that of the mild ROP group (P < 0.05). The main DQ in the severe ROP group was 99.1 +/- 17.9, significantly lower than the 108.7 +/- 15.5 of the mild ROP group (P < 0.05). No significant IQ differences were found between the two groups. The proportion of children with verbal-performance IQ discrepancies was, however, significantly greater in the severe ROP group than in the mild ROP group (P < 0.05). Since infants with severe ROP are more likely to suffer developmental disorders, long-term follow-up is absolutely necessary and must be done in cooperation with pediatricians.