WHAT IS THE INCIDENCE OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY (ROP) IN 'BIG' BABIES?: RESULTS OF A RETROSPECTIVE MULTICENTER STUDY

Aim This study aims to determine the incidence of ROP and to investigate its prognosis among premature babies with a BW of >= 2000 g. Material and Method We retrospectively analyzed the data of 1004 babies with BW >= 2000 g admitted to the ROP Diagnosis and Treatment Centers of X University Hospital and X Hospital between 2018 and 2019. Examination findings were recorded according to the Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity guideline. We recorded the following information: GA, BW, type of delivery, oxygen therapy, age at the time of diagnosis (weeks), the location of ROP, the severity of ROP, vascular characteristics of ROP, treatment status, PMA, treatment modality, and retinal vascular development. Results The 2008 eyes of 1004 subjects were included in the study. Mean GA (SD) of subjects was 34.3 (1.3) weeks (range: 31-36) and mean BW (SD) was 2377.3 (244.2) g (range: 2000-3400). The 283 eyes of 144 patients (14.1%, 95% CI: [11.7-17.3%]) had been diagnosed with ROP. We evaluated the location of ROP and found that it was in Zone II in 279 of the 283 eyes and in Zone I in 4 eyes. We found that 213 of the 283 eyes had stage 1 ROP, 53 eyes had stage 2 ROP, and 17 eyes had stage 3 ROP. According to the international ROP classification, 17 eyes of 9 patients had Type 1 ROP, and 266 eyes of 135 patients had Type 2 ROP in the study. Seventeen eyes (0.85%, 95%CI: [0.62-1.36%]) required treatment. Conclusion We conclude that the incidence of ROP in babies with BW >= 2000 g is higher in Turkey compared to developed countries. It is important to include these babies in the screening program as they can develop advanced ROP requiring treatment.