[Epidemiology of retinopathy of prematurity in public services from Argentina during 2008].

Introduction: Increasing survival of preterm newborns and current care deficits result in high rates of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), affecting patients with higher birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA) than those at developed countries; unusual cases (UC) and missed opportunities (MO) are reported.

Objective: To describe epidemiology of ROP during 2008 compared with the previous year. POPULATION, MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study.

Population: Preterm babies with BW < 1,500 g and/or < or = 32 w GA and > or = 1,500 g and/or 33-36 w who received oxygen therapy.

Source: 31 public services from 20/24 Provinces.

Variables: BW, GA, ophthalmologic screening, age at 1st control, ROP Grade, treatment requirement, place of treatment and time of complete ROP screening.

Results: Responses were obtained from 24/31 services from 16 Provinces (84,200 newborns) identifying 3,371 newborns at risk, 956 < 1,500 g BW. Screening was done in 90%; it was late in 6%. Neonatal discharge before complete ROP screening occurred in 93%. ROP rate was 11.93%; 26.25% in < 1,500 g BW. Treatment was required at 2.60%; of them, 7% were < 1,500 g BW; 20.3% were UC, one infant was a MO. Treatment need increased 20% at 2008 vs. 2007, without significant difference. Changes were not observed at median BW and GA and UC. Treatment in situ was 75% in 2008, similar to 2007.

Conclusions: Incidence of ROP in public hospitals of Argentina is worrisome. Rates in 2008 have not improved compared with 2007, expressing that criteria for prevention are not yet consolidated. Screening and access to treatment must improve.