Imaging and Informatics in Retinopathy of Prematurity (i-ROP)

This project aims to identify genetic variants that contribute to the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). ROP is a leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide. We have performed a genome wide association study (GWAS) using Illumina Global Screening Array (GSA) BeadChip. For this GWAS design we assembled the largest group of ROP patients described to date: around 1000 ROP patients in total. Demographic and phenotypic information associated with each sample includes gestational age, gender, ethnicity, multiple birth status, presence of ROP, and birth weight. The results of this study will help advance our understanding of the genetic susceptibility to ROP and may result in novel treatment options to slow the progression of the disease.]]>
Infants at clinical centers were eligible for recruitment if they meet published criteria for requiring ROP screening exams in the neonatal intensive care unit.]]>