Screening for retinopathy of prematurity in a tertiary care newborn unit in Turkey: Frequency, outcomes, and risk factor analysis

Purpose: To report the frequency, risk factors, and outcomes of screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: Data of neonates with a gestational age of 34 weeks or less were analyzed and the predictors on the development of ROP were determined by using logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 3 18 neonates, the frequency of ROP was 3 7.1% for any stage and 7.2% for stage 3 or greater. Treatment was needed in 16.1% of neonates with ROP. No treatment was required in neonates with a gestational age of greater than 32 weeks. Oxygen therapy, sepsis, gestational age of 32 weeks or less, and birth weight of less than 1,250 g were determined as the independent risk factors. Conclusions: Although frequency of ROP in Turkey is similar to that in the United States, the rate of severe ROP necessitating treatment seems to be higher in Turkey. Neonates with a gestational age of 32 weeks or less, a birth weight of less than 1,250 g, sepsis, and oxygen therapy may have a greater risk of developing ROP and screening should be intensified in the presence of these risk factors.