Screening for retinopathy of prematurity in premature babies born in North Macedonia – 10 years results (2010-2020)

Purpose: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disorder of the retina and a leading cause of visual
impairment and childhood blindness worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the possibility of developing ROP and
the need for treatment in premature babies, born in North Macedonia in period from 2010-2020.
Materials and methods: In this retrospective study was analyzed the data of premature babies which were followed in the
period from 2010-2020. In Republic of North Macedonia for screening of ROP are used recommendations from the American
Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, with clearly defined inclusions for the screening program for ROP of
all prematurus with a birth weight (BW) of 1500 g or less and / or born at 30 gestational weeks (GW) or earlier and selected
infants with a birth weight between 1500 to 2000 g with unstable clinical course.
Results: According to the analysed data from a total of 15825 examinations carried out, according to the adopted criteria,
screening was conducted in 4,518 (11,66%) premature babies. Screening in these prematures resulted in the detection of active
premature retinopathy with an absolute indication of active treatment and treatment in 580(12.84%) prematures. In addition,
345 (59.48%) newborns were treated with laser photocoagulation, while 243 (41.9%) children with Anti-VEGF therapy.
Conclusion: The results concluded that premature infants born at 30 gestational weeks (GW) or earlier and/or birth weight
(BW) 1500g or less and selected prematures with a birth weight between 1500 g and 2000 g but with unstable clinical course
and neonatology high risk assessment, should mandatorily be screened for ROP.
Keywords: screening for ROP, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), prematures, birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA), laser
photocoagulation (LPC).