A 12‐year experience of retinopathy of prematurity in infants ≤28 weeks gestation or ≤1000g birthweight

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Abstract
This study reported the prevalence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in less than or equal to 28 weeks gestation or less than or equal to 1000 g birthweight infants over a 12-year period. Among 328 survivors of less than or equal to 28 weeks gestation, 30% had ROP, 12% had severe ROP of Stage 3 or worse, 5% had at least one blind eye and 3% were bilaterally blind. Among 201 survivors of less than or equal to 1000 g birthweight, the above abnormalities were found in 40, 16, 6 and 4% respectively. In both cohorts there was a significant increase in the prevalence of ROP and severe ROP between the period 1977-80 and 1981-84, but the lesser increase observed between the periods 1981-84 and 1985-88 was not statistically significant. The rates of ROP-induced blindness were not significantly different between the three 4-year periods. An inverse relationship was noted between the prevalence of ROP and gestational age. The results suggest a resurgence of ROP in less than or equal to 28 weeks or less than or equal to 1000 g infants, the cause of which is uncertain. In view of this trend, continued surveillance of ROP is warranted.