Retinopathy of prematurity incidence almost doubled over the past 20 years

From 2003 to 2019, the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among premature infants increased, suggesting a growing problem in the United States, according to an article.

Traditionally underserved populations had the highest proportional incidence of ROP.

In this retrospective database cohort study, the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids’ Inpatient Databases were used to identify pediatric newborns at risk for ROP. A total of 125 212 ROP discharges were evaluated over the study period. In 2003, the proportion of premature infants diagnosed with ROP was 4.4%, which increased in 8.1% in 2019.

Premature infants from the lowest household income quartile had the highest increase in ROP diagnoses from 4.9% to 9.0%. Black premature infants experienced the largest increase, while Hispanic premature infants experienced the second largest increase. The Southern US had the greatest proportional growth in ROP diagnoses, increasing from 3.7% to 8.3%. ROP diagnoses increased proportionally in urban areas but decreased in rural areas.

Reference
Bhatnagar A, Skrehot HC, Bhatt A, et al. Epidemiology of Retinopathy of Prematurity in the US From 2003 to 2019. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2023;doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.0809