Risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity development and progression in the Philippines.
Retinopathy of prematurity developed in 25% of premature infants screened across the Philippines
Risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity development and progression in the Philippines.
To determine the clinico-epidemiologic profile of premature infants diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity (retinopathy of prematurity), and treated for type 1, severe, and aggressive (TOSA) retinopathy of prematurity in the different regions of the Philippines.
A multiregional ambispective cohort study of premature infants (<37wk gestational age) referred for retinopathy of prematurity screening across 20 hospitals in 12 Philippine regions between January 2024 and September 2025 was conducted.
Mean gestational age was 32.34±2.31wk; mean birthweight was 1593±439 g.
Among TOSA retinopathy of prematurity cases, 87% received treatment, most commonly anti-vasular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection (46%) or laser photocoagulation (24%).
At the last follow-up, 34% of treated infants had not reached full regression or retinal maturity.
Retinopathy of prematurity incidence was higher in National Capital Region (32%) than in Region I and Cordillera Administrative Region (8%, P =0.001), Region III (13%, P =0.005), and Region XI (14%, P =0.001), but lower than Region VI (55%, P =0.001).
Lower gestational age and birthweight, male, and packed red blood cell transfusion are risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity development.
This study also provides the first multiregional multicenter data on retinopathy of prematurity in the Philippines, demonstrating substantial incidence and progression beyond National Capital Region.