Screening criteria for the detection of retinopathy of prematurity in patients in a neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

We examined the eyes of 2986 neonates admitted to the Magee-Womens Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from January 1, 1977, through December 31, 1985, who weighed less than 2000 g at birth or were exposed to added oxygen and later discharged. Fifty-six of these patients had grade III, IV, or V retinopathy of prematurity as defined by Kingham (stage III or IV in the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity system) in at least one eye. All 56 patients were exposed either to added oxygen for more than 50 days or had a birthweight less than 1600 g. We propose that these are more realistic screening criteria than those proposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (exposure to any added oxygen, birthweight less than 2000 g). Their use will avoid many unnecessary eye exams, while allowing detection of all significant retinopathy of prematurity.