Retinopathy of prematurity in the southern part of Sweden.

The incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was studied in prematures in the southern part of Sweden during one year. Nine hospitals participated in the prospective study. During the period 23,745 children were born in the region. One hundred and ninety-three of 214 prematures of gestational age < or = 32 weeks and/or birth weight < or = 1500 g, were subjected to ophthalmic investigation. The incidence of ROP among the prematures under study was calculated to 9% (17 children). Six of them had severe ROP (3%). Some risk factors associated to ROP are discussed.