Laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity in 27 public services of Argentina

Introduction. Retinopathy of prematurity may lead to partial loss of vision and blindness; laser photocoagulation is the elective treatment, but universal access to it is not yet guaranteed in Argentina. Objectives. To estimate prevalence of children requiring laser for retinopathy, their clinical and demographic characteristics, place of origin and place of treatment. Population, material and method. Observational, descriptive and retrospective study. Population: premature newborns who required treatment at public services during 2008. Variables: Birth weight and gestational age, prognosis, unusual cases and missed opportunities. Source: 27 public services from 18/24 provinces. Results. 235 patients who required treatment were recorded (Garrahan Hospital: 86; Gutierrez Hospital: 45, and 104 from 25 other hospitals) from 77 public services and 13 private services from 22/24 provinces, where 210,720 babies born at the same period. Cases from Buenos Aires Province were referred mainly to Garrahan Hospital, all cases from Buenos Aires City and 2/3 from the rest of the country were treated in situ. Prognosis was defined as reserved at 15% and 5 missed opportunities occurred all in referred babies. Unusual cases were 27% of the total reported. Conclusion. In this population retinopathy prevalence was 1/900 birth in 2008. The proportion of unusual cases, reserved prognosis and missed opportunities was high. A national record and improved access to treatment in situ are urgently needed.