Prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity in Iran: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM: To estimate overall prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Iran using a systematic review and Meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic review and Meta-analysis was performed of all published studies pertaining to prevalence of ROP using international and national electronic databases (ISI Web of Sciences, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, SID, MagIran, and IranMedex) from their inception until May 2016 with standard keywords. Begg and Egger tests were used to examine the publication bias and Cochran test and I-2 statistics were used to evaluate the statistical heterogeneity. Pooled estimate of the prevalence of ROP were calculated using random effects Metaanalysis. RESULTS: The publication bias assumption was rejected by Egger tests with P-value equal to 0.024. The results of Cochran test and I-2 statistics revealed substantial heterogeneity (Q=1099.02, df=25, I-2=97.7%, P=0.001). The overall prevalence of ROP using the random effect model in Iran was 26.1% (95% CI: 20.3%-31.8%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ROP is relatively high in Iran. Low birth weight and gestational age are significant risk factors for the disease. Improved care, including oxygen delivery and monitoring, for preterm babies in all facility settings would reduce the number of babies affected with ROP.