Retinopathy of Prematurity among Syrian Refugees: Incidence and Severity

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the incidence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature newborns of Syrian refugees and those of Turkish origin. METHODS: This retrospective, the single-center study included 1545 premature infants assigned to two groups based on maternal origin. Group 1 comprised 1366 premature infants of Turkish origin, and Group II comprised 179 premature infants born to Syrian refugees. All the premature infants were screened for ROP by the same ophthalmologist who is experienced in the screening and treatment of ROP. All data including gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), the presence of ROP, and severe ROP collected from 2014 to 2017 were recorded for each group. The outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean GA at birth was 30.6 ± 2 weeks and was significantly lower in Group II (P = 0.03). The overall incidence of ROP was similar in both groups. The incidence of severe ROP in Group II was nearly seven times higher than in Group I (1.5% and 10%, respectively). The incidence of severe ROP seen in Group II evaluated according to different ranges of GA and BW was higher than in Group I. CONCLUSION: The higher incidence of severe ROP in the premature newborns of Syrian refugees could play an important role in identifying ongoing health problems of refugees.