Original Article

Journal of Perinatology (2008) 28, 566–572; doi:10.1038/jp.2008.34; published online 27 March 2008

Severe retinopathy of prematurity and visual outcomes in British Columbia: a 10-year analysis

V Schiariti1, C Matsuba1, J S Houbé1,2 and A R Synnes1,2

  1. 1Department of Pediatrics, Sunny Hill Health Centre, British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  2. 2Department of Pediatrics, Centre for Health Innovation and Improvement, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Correspondence: Dr V Schiariti, Department of Pediatrics, Sunny Hill Health Centre, British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Room S112C, 3644 Slocan Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5M 3E8. E-mail: vschiariti@cw.bc.ca

Received 29 October 2007; Revised 11 February 2008; Accepted 14 February 2008; Published online 27 March 2008.

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Abstract

Objective:

 

To describe the incidence trend and long-term visual outcomes of infants diagnosed with stages 3 to 4 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or laser-treated ROP born in British Columbia (Canada).

Study Design:

 

Data from all (n=1384) neonates with birth weight (BW) <1250 g, admitted to British Columbia Children's Hospital between period 1 (January 1992 to December 1996) and period 2 (January 1997 to December 2001) were analyzed. Ophthalmologic records of infants with stages 3 to 4 ROP or laser-treated ROP were abstracted. chi2- and t-test were used to compare neonatal characteristics between periods. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with visual impairment (defined as visual acuity less than or equal to20/60 or visual field restriction of 20° binocularly).

Result:

 

Of 1159 surviving infants, 887 were examined for acute ROP (473 in period 1, 414 in period 2). Stages 3 to 4 ROP or laser-treated ROP were present in 35 infants in period 1 (7%) and 59 in period 2 (14%), Pless than or equal to0001. Infants born in period 2 had lower mean BW and gestational age. Among infants who developed severe ROP or laser-treated ROP, binocular visual impairment was present in eight children in period 1 and seven in period 2. Refractive errors, including myopia and astigmatism, were increased in period 2. Children who developed periventricular leucomalacia had the highest risk of visual impairment at 4 to 6 years of age.

Conclusion:

 

During the 10-year study period, a significant increase in rates of stages 3 to 4 or laser-treated ROP was not associated with increases in visual impairment rates.

Keywords:

retinopathy of prematurity, visual outcomes, visual impairment, prematurity, follow-up studies, neonatology

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