Retinopathy screening results of late-preterm infants born at 32-35 weeks of gestational age.

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective, nonrandomized, observational clinical study was to evaluate the screening results for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) of late-preterm infants born at 32-35 weeks gestational age (GA).

Methods: Retinopathy screening data of late-preterm infants were evaluated between January 2015 and September 2018. The zones and stages of ROP development were classified according to the International ROP Committee criteria. Patients were categorized into four groups according to GA: 32 < 33 weeks GA, 33 < 34 weeks GA, 34 < 35 weeks GA, and 35 < 36 weeks GA. The rates of development of any stage of ROP or severe ROP (requiring treatment) were recorded.

Results: The study included 543 infants: 139 (25.4%) in 32 < 33 weeks GA, 127 (23.6%) in 33 < 34 weeks GA, 162 (30.2%) in 34 < 35 weeks GA, and 115 (20.8%) in 35 < 36 weeks GA. Different stages of ROP developed in 29 infants (20.9%) in 32 < 33 weeks GA, 19 infants (15%) in 33 < 34 weeks GA, 17 infants (10.5%) in 34 < 35 weeks GA, and 6 infants (5.2%) in 35 < 36 weeks GA. Treatment was required for 14 infants (2.6%) due to severe ROP: 7 (5%) in 32 < 33 weeks GA, 3 (2.4%) in 33 < 34 weeks GA, and 4 (2.5%) in 34 < 35 weeks GA. No treatment was required in 35 < 36 weeks GA.

Conclusion: Late-preterm infants must be screened for ROP, especially those born in developing countries. Although rates of ROP development decrease as GA increases, infants born at 34 weeks of GA or younger, regardless of birth weight, should be examined at least once for ROP.