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Published on: April 2, 2021
[A multivariate analysis of prevalence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity]
Jun Yang1, Xiao-Juan Yin, Fen-Ping Luo
1Department of Pediatrics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China. yangj8897@sina.com
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects 6.4% of premature infants, with higher risks linked to lower birth weight and shorter postconceptional age. Early ocular fundus screening is crucial for timely ROP detection in premature babies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Context:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Understanding ROP prevalence and risk factors is critical for effective prevention and management strategies.
- This study focuses on a cohort of premature infants in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants.
- To identify key risk factors associated with the development of ROP.
- To compare ROP incidence between premature and full-term infants.
Summary:
- The study found a 6.4% prevalence of ROP in premature infants, with none in the full-term control group.
- Lower birth weight (=2000 g) and shorter postconceptional age (=32 weeks) were significantly associated with higher ROP rates.
- Postconceptional age and birth weight were identified as the primary risk factors for ROP.
Impact:
- Results highlight the vulnerability of premature infants to ROP, emphasizing the need for targeted screening.
- Findings underscore the importance of monitoring birth weight and postconceptional age for ROP risk assessment.
- Routine ocular fundus examinations are recommended for early ROP detection and intervention in premature infants.
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Methods:
This investigation involved 125 premature infants admitted in the neonate intensive unit between July 1st, 2006 and Feb 1st, 2007, who were less than 37 weeks of postconceptional age, or more than 37 weeks but with birth weight <2500 g. At the fourth postnatal week or the corrected gestational age of 32 to 34 weeks, the infants underwent ROP examination of both eyes using RetCam digital retinal camera. Diagnosis and staging of ROP were established according to the international guidelines, with another 20 full-term infants as the control group.
Results:
All the 125 infants completed the follow up. The prevalence of ROP in the premature group was 6.4%, while no ROP was found in the control group. Of the premature infants, the prevalence of ROP in infants with birth weight =2000 g (12.7%) was significantly higher than that in those with birth weight more than 2 000 g (0 , %KHgr;(2) =6. 42, P=0.01). In premature infants with postconceptional age =32 weeks, the prevalence of ROP reached 17.5%, significantly higher than that in infants with postconceptional age over 32 weeks (1.1% , Chi(2)=9.52, P=0.002). The postconceptional age (OR=0.865, P=0.038) and birth weight (OR=0.768, P=0.042) were identified as the most important risk factors for ROP, and correlation was not found between ROP and oxygen inhalation mode, mechanical ventilation, use of indomethacin, or maternal conditions.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of ROP is significantly higher in premature infants than in full-term infants, and shorter postconceptional age and lower body weight at birth are associated with increased risk of ROP. Routine examination of the ocular fundus of premature infants on a regular basis can be helpful for early detection of ROP.
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