Retinopathy of prematurity epidemiology and treatment trend in a tertiary medical center in Taiwan: From 2016 to 2023

Abstract: PURPOSE: To investigate the recent 8-year epidemiology of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and treatment modalities in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted from 2016 to 2023, using data from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan, and enrolling 2078 premature babies who were screened for ROP. The incidence of ROP, type 1 ROP, and initial treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: ROP developed in 671 of the 2078 infants (29.7%), and type 1 ROP was present in 195 infants (9.4%). A declining trend was observed in the number of ROP screenings among premature infants ( P = 0.02). The proportion of type 1 ROP decreased significantly from 12.13% in 2016 to 5.0% in 2023 ( P < 0.01). Antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was chosen in 97% and 93.2% of the initial and overall treatments, respectively, with laser mainly used as a secondary treatment. Bevacizumab was the most frequently selected option among the three available anti-VEGF drugs. CONCLUSION: The incidence of ROP between 2016 and 2023 showed no significant change. The proportion of type 1 ROP decreased during this period. Anti-VEGF was chosen as the initial treatment, and bevacizumab was the most frequently used agent.