Revista Ciência em Extensão (Dec 2015)
Retinopathy of prematurity in the Botucatu Medical School Hospital - UNESP
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a multifactorial disease, which alters the normal development of the retina of premature neonates. It is the leading cause of childhood blindness in the world. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent blindness. Our objective was to identify the prevalence of ROP in the Botucatu Medical School Hospital (HCFMB – UNESP) and correlate it with neonatal risk factors. We conducted a prospective cohort study involving 302 infants with birth weight ? 1,500 g and / or gestational age ? 32 weeks, followed up until the 45th week of corrected gestational age. The prevalence of ROP was 18.53% and 14 (6%) neonates with severe illness required treatment. The study showed a significant correlation between the emergence of ROP and the risk factors birth weight, gestational age and twin pregnancy (P <.05). This study is part of an extension project that aims to prevent childhood blindness and to apply educational measures among health professionals, students and premature babies’ relatives. It emphasizes the importance of effective screening and treatment of ROP.
