A 12-YEAR EXPERIENCE OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY IN INFANTS LESS-THAN-OR-EQUAL TO 28 WEEKS GESTATION OR LESS-THAN-OR-EQUAL TO 1000G BIRTH-WEIGHT

Abstract This study reported the prevalence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in ≤28 weeks gestation or ≤1000g birthweight infants over a 12‐year period. Among 328 survivors of ≤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 ≤1000g 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 ≤28 weeks or ≤1000g infants, the cause of which is uncertain. In view of this trend, continued surveillance of ROP is warranted. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved