Nine-Year Epidemiological Data on the Incidence of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Poland-A Literature Review for the 2012-2021 Period

Abstract

Background: The epidemiology of retinopathy of premature infants (ROP) in Poland is a topic rarely discussed in the literature. Single publications (Pubmed) concern only specific regions of Poland and date back to 2000-2006, which prompted the authors to update Polish epidemiological data.

Methods: Data from the 2012-2021 screening tests were analyzed for: diagnosis of ROP, severe ROP and the percentage of ROP undergoing treatment (laser-diode, anti-VEGF, and complications such as retinal detachment). The Polish results were compared with the available data from Europe in the same period.

Results: The analysis of the GOCC data confirmed that the prevalence of ROP in Poland for 2016-2019 was 15.1%; in 2012-2021 (15.6%). Polish epidemiological data shows a lower percentage of ROP diagnosis compared to other European countries (15.6% vs. 23.8% in Portugal, 28.3% in the Netherlands, 25.1% in Genoa, Italy, 38% in Florence, Italy).

Conclusions: In order to obtain and create an epidemiological database, it is important to undertake activities aimed at a detailed verification of the analyzed parameters and the collection of similar or the same data from all centers in Poland. There is no economic data available on the cost of caring for a child with ROP.

Keywords: Poland; ROP incidence analysis period; epidemiology; retinopathy of prematurity.