Retinopathy of prematurity: Incidence throughout a 15-year period in the NEOCOSUR Neonatal Network
- Journal
- Early human development (Q1)
- Published
- 3 September 2026
- Study design
- Prospective / inception cohort
- Evidence level
- Level 2, Moderate (CEBM 2b)
- Authors
- Daniela Kuzmanic, Alberto Toso, Paola Viviani, Aldo Bancalari, Álvaro González, Gabriela Alfieri, et al.
- PMID
- 42710370
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106660
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Neonatology (top studies of the week, 13 September 2026): ROP incidence trends, not respiratory support
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Determine ROP overall incidence trends, stratified by gestational age (GA), throughout a 15-year period in the neonatal NEOCOSUR Network. Also, determine the main associated factors. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study, employing prospectively collected data. Trends were analyzed with joinpoint regression. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with ROP after adjusting for key perinatal confounders. SUBJECTS: VLBW infants between 24 and 31 weeks GA and BW 400 to 1500 g who survived to discharge, born between 2007 and 2021, across 21 centers were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Trends in ROP incidence throughout a 15-year period in this Network and main associated factors. RESULTS: 10,268 preterm infants were included. Baseline population differences with and without ROP were found. ROP incidence was higher in infants with lower gestational age. There was a significant decreasing trend in ROP incidence between 2007 and 2012 (30% to 18%); however, from 2012 to 2021, an increased incidence was observed, reaching 27% in 2021, although this change was not statistically significant. Moreover, a significant increasing trend occurred in severe ROP and/or plus disease in the 2013-2021 period. Female sex was protective for ROP (OR 0.84), whereas postnatal steroids nearly doubled the odds (OR 1.85). Each additional week of GA (OR 0.78) and every additional 100 g of BW (OR 0.79) were associated with lower odds of ROP. Cesarean section (OR 0.87) and every additional 100 g of weight gain at 28 days (OR 0.84) were also associated with reduced odds of ROP. CONCLUSIONS: ROP showed an initial decreasing trend followed by an increased incidence in more recent years. Possible causes for these variations are uncertain.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.