Incidence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity in Turkey

Background: The purpose of this study was to estimate the current incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the need for treatment in preterm infants in Turkey. Methods: The study included preterm infants who had been screened for ROP between 2011 and 2013 in 49 neonatal intensive care units. Infants with birth weight (BW) ≤1500 g or ≤32 weeks' gestational age and those with BW >1500 g or >32 weeks' GA with an unstable clinical course were included. The incidence of any ROP or severe ROP and treatment modalities were determined. Results: The study population included 15 745 preterm infants: 11 803 (75%) with GA ≤32 weeks, and 3942 (25%) with GA >32 weeks. Overall, 30% were found to have any stage of ROP, and 5% had severe ROP. Severe ROP was diagnosed in 8.2% of infants with BW ≤1500 g and 0.6% of infants with BW >1500 g. Of all infants diagnosed with ROP, 16.5% needed laser photocoagulation, and 20 patients born at >32 weeks' GA required this treatment modality. Vitroretinal surgery was performed in 28 infants with severe ROP: 23 with GA ≤28 weeks and 5 with GA 29-32 weeks. Conclusions: The findings of our study have the important implication that more mature babies are at risk of severe ROP requiring treatment. An effective programme for detecting and treating ROP should be established in Turkey

Establishment of interdisciplinary child protection teams in Turkey 2002-2006: Identifying the strongest link can make a difference!

WOS: 000265321200007PubMed ID: 19328549Objectives: The University of Iowa Child Protection Program collaborated with Turkish professionals to develop a training program on child abuse and neglect during 2002-2006 with the goals of increasing professional awareness and number of multidisciplinary teams (MDT), regional collaborations, and assessed cases. This paper summarizes the 5-year outcome. Methods: A team of instructors evaluated needs and held training activities in Turkey annually, and provided consultation when needed. Descriptive analysis was done via Excel and SPSS software. Results: Eighteen training activities were held with 3,570 attendees. Over the study period, the number of MDTs increased from 4 to 14. The MDTs got involved in organizing training activities in their institutions and communities. The number of medical curriculum lectures taught by MDTs to medical students/residents, conferences organized by the MDTs, and lectures to non-medical professional audiences increased significantly (R-2 = 91.4%, 83.8%, and 69.2%, respectively). The number of abuse cases assessed by the MDTs increased by five times compared to pre-training period. Conclusions: A culturally competent training program had a positive impact on professional attitudes and behaviors toward recognition and management of child abuse and neglect in Turkey. The need to partner with policy makers to revise current law in favor of a greater human services orientation became clear. Practice implications: Pioneers in developing countries may benefit from collaborating with culturally competent instructors from countries with more developed child protection systems to develop training programs so that professional development can improve recognition and management of child abuse and neglect. Published by Elsevier Ltd