Incidence of retinopathy of prematurity in a neonatology service in the province of Buenos Aires over a five-year period

Abstract

Introduction: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the leading cause of blindness in childhood in Argentina. Given that it can be prevented to a large extent, its frequency in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is a quality parameter of perinatal and neonatal care, and its monitoring is crucial to improve care practices. Objectives: To determine the incidence of ROP in the Hospital Interzonal de Agudos Evita de Lanús during the period 01/2018-12/2022 and to evaluate its temporal variation during the 
study period. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, retrospective study. Newborns (NB) assisted between 01/2018 and 12/2022 with birth weight < 1500 grams and/or ≤ 32 weeks of gestational age, or birth weight ≥ 1500 grams and/or 33-36 weeks of gestational age with oxygen therapy or other risk factors were included. NBs not screened for ROP were excluded. Results: Of the 229 NBs 
who met inclusion criteria in the study, screening was performed on 214 (93.43%). The frequency of ROP was 13.08% in the entire sample and 27.8% in NB with birth weight < 1500 grams. 21.4% of children with ROP required treatment. During the study period, no statistically significant reduction in the frequency of ROP was observed. Conclusions: ROP in NBs at risk continues to be a prevalent health problem in the population we assist. We must reinforce efforts to improve the frequency of screening of NBs at risk and adapt our practices to reduce the frequency of ROP.