Retinopathy of prematurity, a decrease in frequency and severity. Trends over 16 years in a Danish county.
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the trends over 16 years (1982-97) in a Danish county regarding the clinical appearance of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).


METHODS
The data for birth years 1993-97 regarding the regular ophthalmic surveillance for ROP in the region have been analysed. With gestational age (GA) 32 weeks and/or a birthweight (BW) 1750 g as attempted screening limits a total of 177 premature infants were surveyed. Comparison was made with studies of a similar set-up from the preceding four 3-year periods comprising a total of 814 subjects.


RESULTS
The number of survivors regarded at a higher risk of developing ROP (GA and BW both <32 weeks/1750 g, n=478) showed an even increase over the five investigation periods. The ROP frequency, however, fell from a level of 39% to 10%, there were fewer with severe sequels to ROP, and the children surveyed 'above limits' eventually avoided ROP.


CONCLUSIONS
Using the ROP profile as a yardstick for the quality of the neonatal service given to the most immature newborns over the period 1982-97, the risk limits regarding GA and BW have gone down. More and more of the heavier preterm babies now escape ROP. A significant decrease in frequency of ROP in the more immature groups has been observed, and fewer cases have progressed to visual impairment.
Fledelius
H C
HC
Eye Department, Hillerod Sygehus, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Dahl
H
H
D001724:Birth Weight; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index