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Br J Ophthalmol 2001;85:933-935 doi:10.1136/bjo.85.8.933
  • Scientific correspondence

Reduced incidence of retinopathy of prematurity

  1. E Rowlandsa,
  2. A C W Ionidesb,
  3. S Chinnc,
  4. H Mackinnond,
  5. C C Daveyb
  1. aDepartment of Ophthalmology, St Thomas's Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EH, UK, bDepartment of Ophthalmology, Whittington Hospital, London N19 5NF, UK, cDepartment of Public Health Sciences, King's College, London, UK, dDepartment of Paediatrics, Whittington Hospital, London N19 5NF, UK
  1. Clare Davey
  • Accepted 22 February 2001

Abstract

AIM To audit the prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a level 2 status neonatal unit.

METHODS Data were collected prospectively over 9 years from September 1989 to September 1998. Preterm infants were examined according to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists' guidelines and retinopathy graded following the International Classification of ROP. ROP 3–5 was analysed using logistic regression in relation to time, and to gestational age and birth weight.

RESULTS 383 babies were examined. Mean gestational age fell over the 9 year period (p=0.051) as did mean birth weight (p<0.001). There was a decrease in the number of infants with ROP grades 3–5 over the 9 years (p=0.045 and, when adjusted for gestational age and birth weight, the decrease in ROP 3–5 was significant (p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS This study found a significant reduction in the incidence of ROP during the 9 years of the study period, despite a decrease in mean gestational age of and birth weight. The reduced incidence of ROP is attributed to improvements in ventilation techniques and overall care of the neonate, in particular the use of prenatal steroids and surfactant.

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