Impact of changing oxygenation policies on retinopathy of prematurity in a neonatal unit in Argentina

Aims: To assess the impact of different oxygenation policies on the rate and severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: Between January 2003 and December 2006, infants of 1500 g birthweight (BW) or less and/or 32 weeks gestational age (GA) or less, and larger, more mature infants with risk factors for ROP were examined through three different time periods: period 1: high target oxygen saturation levels (88–96%) and treatment at threshold ROP; period 2: low target oxygen saturation levels (83–93%) and treatment at threshold ROP; period 3: low target oxygen saturation and treatment at type 1 ROP. Results: Type 1 ROP was detected more frequently in babies of 32 weeks GA or less (50/365, 13.7%) than in more mature babies (15/1167, 1.3%; p