Retinopathy of Prematurity: Results of a Two-Years Follow-Up

Objective: To determine the frequency of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the clinical course of the disease in premature infants that were referred to our hospital and followed in our premature intensive care unit. Material and Methods: The premature infants with a gestational age of ≤34 weeks and a birth weight of ≤2500 gr that were referred to our hospital and hospitalized in Samsun Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between January 2012 and December 2013 were studied in terms of ROP development. They were recorded as singletons, twins, or triplets with their gestational ages and birth weights. Results: In the study, 319 premature infants were screened and ROP was found in 133 (41,6%) infants. The infants's gestational weeks were between 23-34 (mean:30,7±4,2) while their birth weights were between 540-2480 (mean:1517,60±318,2) g. Of the 133 infants who had ROP, 70 (52,6%) had stage 1 ROP, 22 (16,5%) had stage 2 ROP, 33 (24,8%) had stage 3 ROP and 8 (6%) had aggressive posterior ROP (APROP) while none of the infants had stage 4 or stage 5 ROP. Diode laser photocoagulation (LP) was performed on 31 cases with high risk of prethreshold ROP and on 5 cases with APROP. Retinal detachment developed in two eyes which LP was performed. Conclusion: ROP associated blindness can be partly prevented with timely diagnosis and treatment of babies who are in risk group. It is important to raise awareness in physicians working in this field.