Retinopathy of prematurity in Saudi Arabia: incidence, risk factors, and the applicability of current screening criteria.

AIMS To study the risk factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) and the applicability of the current ROP screening criteria in Saudi Arabia. METHODS A retrospective study of ROP incidence was conducted in patients of a neonatal intensive care unit in Riyadh from July 2003 until July 2004. Infants born at <36 weeks of gestation, and/or weighing <2000 g at birth, had their charts reviewed for ROP diagnosis and risk factors for ROP. The sensitivity and specificity of current screening criteria were assessed. RESULTS One hundred and seventy-four infants were examined. Retinopathy of prematurity was diagnosed in 93 infants (56%); 15% of those patients were in stage 3 of the disease (severe ROP). The mean gestational age (GA) was 30 weeks for the ROP-positive group. At </=32 weeks' gestational age and </=1500 g birth weight, the sensitivity of the current screening criteria was 68%, and the specificity was 55%. The most significant independent risk factor for the development of ROP was gestational age at birth. CONCLUSIONS This study found an older mean GA in infants developing ROP; it is recommended that the current screening criteria be widened to include 34-week GA infants into the programme. A tighter control on oxygen therapy is also recommended.