The impact after 20 years of an early detection program for severe retinopathy of prematurity in a Latin American city

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of long-standing early detection program in the incidence and trends of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Cali, Colombia. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of infants included in an ROP prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment program, from January 01, 2002, to December 31, 2021 (20 years). Infants with gestational age (GA) 2000 g. Conclusion: Awareness and screening as part of the early detection program to prevent ROP has shown a significant decline in the incidence of severe ROP over time. Screening infants with GA <32 weeks or BW <2000 g and preterm infants (<37 weeks) with risk factors may be a feasible decision for resource optimization.

Keywords

• birth weight
• preterm infants
• retinopathy of prematurity
• screening program