Evaluation of the frequency, risk factors and outcomes of ROP in preterm infants with a BW >1500 g or GA >32 weeks in Turkiye (TR-ROP 2) and medicolegal fears: a Turkish Neonatal Society multicentre study

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants with a birth weight (BW)>1500 g or gestational age (GA) >32 weeks in Turkiye. METHODS: A prospective cohort study (TR-ROP 2) was conducted in 80 neonatal intensive care units between 30 September 2023 and 1 November 2024. Infants with a BW >1500 g or GA >32 weeks who had an unstable clinical course or were deemed at risk for ROP were included. The effect of medicolegal concerns on the decision to screen was also evaluated. RESULTS: The study included 4140 infants at risk for ROP development; 242 (5.8%) developed any stage of ROP, and 17 (0.4%) developed severe ROP requiring treatment. Risk factors independently associated with ROP included lower GA and BW, being small for GA, red blood cell transfusion, oxygen therapy >5 days, mechanical ventilation >1 day, early neonatal sepsis (ENS) with comorbidities or presence of ≥3 comorbidities (excluding ENS). Of those with BW ≥2000 g, 31.4% were screened for medicolegal reasons; 2.2% developed ROP, but none had severe ROP. CONCLUSIONS: ROP in mature infants is rare but can occur in the presence of multiple risk factors. Medicolegal concerns may contribute to overscreening. Developing evidence-based, risk-adapted screening guidelines is essential to ensure appropriate care without unnecessary interventions.