[Laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity in 27 public services of Argentina].

Introduction: Retinopathy of prematurity may lead to partial loss of vision and blindness; laser photocoagulation is the elective treatment, but universal access to it is not yet guaranteed in Argentina.

Objectives: To estimate prevalence of children requiring laser for retinopathy, their clinical and demographic characteristics, place of origin and place of treatment. POPULATION, MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study.

Population: premature newborns who required treatment at public services during 2008.

Variables: Birth weight and gestational age, prognosis, unusual cases and missed opportunities.

Source: 27 public services from 18/24 provinces.

Results: 235 patients who required treatment were recorded (Garrahan Hospital: 86; Gutiérrez Hospital: 45, and 104 from 25 other hospitals) from 77 public services and 13 private services from 22/24 provinces, where 210,720 babies born at the same period. Cases from Buenos Aires Province were referred mainly to Garrahan Hospital, all cases from Buenos Aires City and 2/3 from the rest of the country were treated in situ. Prognosis was defined as reserved at 15% and 5 missed opportunities occurred all in referred babies. Unusual cases were 27% of the total reported.

Conclusion: In this population retinopathy prevalence was 1/900 birth in 2008. The proportion of unusual cases, reserved prognosis and missed opportunities was high. A national record and improved access to treatment in situ are urgently needed.