Artificial Reproductive Technology – A Risk Factor for Retinopathy of Prematurity

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding vasoproliferative disease in premature babies. The presentation and course of ROP are determined by a complex interaction of a series of risk factors, including artificial reproductive technology (ART). AIM: To analyse and combine the information relating ART as an independent risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity. METHODS AND MATERIAL: The article is systematic review and meta-analysis using RevMan 5. Pubmed, Scopus and Medline were searched for articles from 1990 to 2018. RESULTS: Studies suggest that ROP is observed more frequently in ART children. They are more likely to be premature and of low birth weight than those conceived naturally. Results vary from just a tendency to a five-fold increase in risk to develop ROP in ART babies. At the same time, they might develop ROP later, and more mature newborns might be affected. CONCLUSION: The data relating ART as a risk factor for ROP is inconclusive, but most studies show at least a tendency. The ART newborns need to be considered as a risk group for ROP and observed with greater suspicion. Even more mature ART newborns might need to be screened in order not to miss any significant pathology.