Purpose: To report changes in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and other neonatal complications for the last 15 years
Cases and Method: 638 cases with a birth weight of less than 1000 g were categorized into two groups in oxygen management changes based on reduced oxygen protocol before and after change (Group A: 218 cases from 1997 to 2001, Group B: 420 cases from 2002 to 2011). Prematurity and the clinical course of ROP were reviewed. In addition, the incidence of 5 main neonatal complications before and after oxygen control criterion change was compared.
Results: The differences in birth weight and gestational age among the two groups were not significant (A: 765±138 g/26.5±2.2 weeks, B: 753±158 g/26.1±2.3 weeks). The incidence of ROP and the rate of treatment for ROP in Group B were significantly less than in Group A (A: 83.0%/32.6% VS B: 54.8%/10.0%; p<0.01). The rate of forming a cicatricial phase severer than grade3 was 4.1% in Group A and 1.7% in Group B (p=0.06). The incidence of neonatal complications before and after oxygen management change was not significantly different.
Conclusion: Incidence and treatment of ROP were improved after changing to the reduced oxygen protocol. There was no increase in neonatal complications after the management change.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi (J Jpn Ophthalmol Soc) 117: 616-620, 2013.