Retinopathy of prematurity in a Copenhagen high-risk sample 1997-98 - The allover surveillance for ROP appears more and more complete

Purpose: From two recent materials to describe the present clinical status regarding retinopathy of prematurity in Denmark, and to outline trends over time. Methods: A) Results of regular ophthalmic surveillance of 201 clinically selected (higher risk of ROP than average) pre-term infants of birth year 1997-98 taken care of in the two greater Copenhagen tertiary neonatal units, in an intended prospective design. Gestational age range was 24-32 weeks at delivery; birth weights 490-2200 g. Median values 28 weeks and 1090 g, B) A brief account of the latest ROP-associated registrations of visual impairment in Danish children aged 0-17 years (n = 138), Results: A) ROP was observed in 31.3% (n = 201), Retinal cryotherapy was given to eleven 'own' cases and to two from elsewhere (n = 13, gestational age at delivery 25-31 weeks). Five had cryotherapy twice. Four of the 13 were later registered for visual impairment. B) Comparing the first and the latest third of the registrations, visual impairment has dropped in frequency and severity over the period from 1981 till now. Conclusions: Compared to previous data the present clinical profile of ROP in Denmark indicates a relatively lower overall frequency of ROP and a decrease in eventual severe visual impairment. Undoubtedly, the continued refinement of neonatal care has been of relevance, but the definite decline in visual impairment further reflects a more complete ophthalmic surveillance, on a national basis The advanced cases are generally detected in time and retinal ablation therapy offered.