Poor postnatal weight gain: a risk factor for severe retinopathy of prematurity

Area of Science:

• Neonatalogy
• Ophthalmology
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
• Early identification of risk factors for severe ROP is critical for timely intervention.
• Postnatal growth patterns may influence ROP development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the rate of postnatal weight gain and the severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
• To identify key risk factors contributing to ROP severity in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of records for 111 infants screened for ROP.
• Inclusion criteria: estimated gestational age ≤30 weeks and follow-up to 42 weeks' postconception.
• Statistical analysis including multivariate and stepwise regression to identify risk factors.

Main Results:

• Infants with severe ROP (stage 3+) had a higher average daily weight gain (10.9 g/kg) in the first 6 weeks compared to those with mild/no ROP (9.6 g/kg).
• Rate of postnatal weight gain was significantly associated with ROP severity (P = .02).
• Key predictors of ROP severity included gestational age, postnatal weight gain rate, erythrocyte transfusion volume, and sepsis.

Conclusions:

• Poor postnatal weight gain is identified as a risk factor for severe ROP (stage 3 or greater).
• Ophthalmologists should monitor infants gaining less than 50% of their birth weight in the first 6 weeks.
• This finding highlights the importance of nutritional support in preventing severe ROP.