GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS AND RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) represents a major health issue in the modern society, being the main cause for blinding in children all over the world. We analyzed the results of a retrospective study performed on a 6-year period (2009-2014), within the Neonatal Unit of the County Emergency Hospital from Timisoara. We assessed 1948 premature infants with GA < 35 weeks and BW < 1500 grams (GA = gestational age; BW = birth weight). Incidence of retinopathy in the study group was 48.55% (945 infants). Laser therapy was applied to 155 of these (7.95%). The disease evolution was favourable in 143 infants (86.5%). The unfavourable evolution in one eye, yet favourable in the other eye, was noticed in 14 of the assessed children (9%), and the severe loss of the visual acuity / blindness was noted in 7 cases (4.5%). The screening of ROP is essential for a timely diagnosis, allowing the application of a therapy at the right moment. The examination is performed by the ophthalmologist, upon request from the neonatologist. Finding an alternative screening method (telemedicine, the study of genetic polymorphisms), which is much easier to perform, would allow a more efficient selection of infants at a risk for severe ROP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]