INCIDENCE AND FEATURES OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY AT BENHA TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate incidence and features of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at Benha Teaching Hospital. Methods: This prospective study was carried out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Benha Teaching Hospital. One hundred and ninety-three consecutive preterm infants with a birth weight of 1900 g or less were screened for ROP. The first examination was performed at 4-7 weeks of postnatal age. Results: Mean gestational age of all premature infants was 29.4 ± 2.3 weeks (range 21-35), mean birth weight was 1200 ± 290 g (range 525-1900), and mean duration of oxygen therapy was 26.0 ± 25.2 days (range 0-205). Seventy-two children developed acute ROP, giving an overall incidence of 37%. The incidence in preterm with birth weight of <1500 g and <1250 g was 40% and 50% respectively. Eighteen of the 72 children with ROP (26%) reached threshold ROP, argon laser treatment were effective in inducing regression in all cases. Conclusion: In this study the incidence of ROP patients was comparable to other reports. Pediatricians and ophthalmologist should participate actively in screening for ROP especially in preterm infants with birth weight less than 1500g as early treatment can actively prevent the subsequent cicatrizing complications with resultant tractional retinal detachment and blindness. Key words: Preterm-retinopathy of premature.