Incidence of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Bahrain, 2002–2011

PURPOSE: The purpose was to determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Bahrain. DESIGNS AND METHODS: premature infants (gestation age ≤32 weeks, birth weight ≤1500 g) admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Salmaniya Medical Complex were examined based on a predetermined screening protocol. The first examination was performed at 4–6 weeks of age, from January 1, 2002 to December 3, 2011. Data were collected on the type and incidence of each of ROP, birth weight, and age. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 1795 premature infants comprised the study population. Group 1 (<1000 g), and Group II (1000–1500 g), included 700 (39%) and 1095 (61%) infants. ROP was detected in 367 (20.4%) infants (95% CI = 18.6–22.3). The proportions of stage III ROP, stage III threshold disease requiring laser retinal photocoagulation and stage IV were 19%, 6%, and 1%, respectively. There were 68 (18.5%) infants with stage III ROP, 21 infants with Stage III ROP with threshold, and 5 infants with stage IV ROP requiring vitreoretinal surgery. There were 203 (80%) infants with a birth weight <1000 g. Birth weight of <1000 g was significantly associated to ROP [OR = 2.3 (95% CI = 1.8–2.9)]. CONCLUSION: One-fifth of premature infants had ROP in Bahrain. Birth weight <1000 g was a risk factor for ROP.