Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
[Incidence and risk factor analysis of retinopathy of prematurity]
Hong Yin1, Xiao-Xin Li, Hui-Ling Li
1Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China. yh638@126.com
Insights
Premature infants with low birth weight and young gestational age face higher risks of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Prolonged oxygen use is a significant risk factor for ROP development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Context:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a primary cause of blindness in infants.
- Identifying high-risk premature infants is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose:
- To screen premature infants for ROP.
- To investigate the incidence and risk factors of ROP.
Summary:
- This study screened 98 premature infants, finding an ROP incidence of 17.3%.
- Significant differences in birth weight, gestational age, oxygen use, and sepsis were noted between ROP and non-ROP groups.
- Long-term oxygen use emerged as a key risk factor, while gestational age and birth weight were protective.
Impact:
- Highlights critical risk factors for ROP, including low birth weight, young gestational age, and extended oxygen therapy.
- Informs clinical practice for managing premature infants at risk of ROP.
- Contributes to strategies aimed at preventing infant blindness due to ROP.
Objective:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of infant blindness. This study was designed to screen the high-risk premature infants and investigate the incidence and risk factors associated with the development of ROP.
Methods:
From July 1 2002 to June 30 2003, all premature infants born in Beijing Maternal and Children Healthcare Hospital with birth body weight (BBW) less than 2000 gm or gestational age (GA) less than 34 weeks were enrolled and underwent ophthalmologic examination. The perinatal variables were analyzed to evaluate their correlation with the development of ROP.
Results:
In 98 premature infants, the incidence of ROP was 17.3% (17 in 98 patients). Four cases with 7 eyes (4.1%) developed threshold ROP. There was significant difference in birth body weight, gestational age, maximal oxygen tension, oxygen use for more than 5 days and sepsis between ROP and Non-ROP groups. Logistic regression analysis indicated that long time use of oxygen was a significant risk factor associated with the development of ROP. GA and BBW were protective factors of ROP.
Conclusion:
Low birth body weight, young gestational age and long time oxygen usage are the most important risk factors in the development of ROP.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...