Abstract

RAMIREZ-ORTIZ, Marco A. et al. Screening criteria for retinal examination of Mexican premature newborns at risk of developing irreversible blindness. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2008, vol.65, n.3, pp.179-185. ISSN 1665-1146.

Introduction. Newborns with gestational age (GA) ≤ 32 weeks and birth weight (BW) < 1 500 g are at risk of irreversible blindness secondary to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Developed countries have established their own eye screening guidelines based on GA and BW. However, when these criteria have been applied in developing countries, patients at risk have been underestimated. Our objective is to determine GA and BW parameters associated to the development of ROP in a México City tertiary care hospital. Methods. Retinas of 82 newborns were examined and divided in 2 groups: with ROP (n =26) and without ROP (n =56). Results. Newborns with GA < 30 weeks (OR =5.67, 95% CI = 1.63-19.76) and BW ≤ 1 250 g (OR =8.15, 95% CI =2.08-31.88) had higher risk of developing ROP compared with patients having GA 33 to 36 weeks and BW 1 500 to 2 000 g, respectively (P<0.01). Conclusions. Newborns with GA < 30 weeks and BW < 1 250 g are at higher risk of developing ROP and thus retinal detachment. A national agreement on ROP screening that allows us to determine GA and BW parameters for eye examination in Mexican newborns is needed.

Keywords : Retinopathy of prematurity; acquired blindness; premature birth; screening.

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