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Retinopathy of prematurity and maternal age

Wei-Chi Wu1, Frank Shih-Chang Ong, Jane Zea-Chin Kuo

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan, Taiwan. weichi666@gmail.com

Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|December 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Older maternal age is a newly identified risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants. Lower birth weight also increases ROP risk.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
  • Identifying modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors is crucial for ROP prevention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate risk factors, particularly maternal factors, associated with the development of ROP in premature infants.
  • To identify key demographic and maternal characteristics that predict ROP development.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective, matched case-control study was conducted.
  • Premature infants who developed ROP (cases) were compared with gestational age- and sex-matched controls who did not develop ROP.
  • Demographic and maternal risk factors were analyzed between the groups.

Main Results:

  • The study included 144 premature infants (72 cases, 72 controls).
  • Significantly lower birth weight (1,248.7g vs. 1,335.5g) and older maternal age (31.2 years vs. 28.2 years) were identified as significant risk factors for ROP.
  • Maternal age over 30 years was associated with an odds ratio of 2.9 for developing ROP.

Conclusions:

  • Older maternal age is a novel risk factor for ROP in premature infants.
  • Both low birth weight and advanced maternal age are critical factors to consider in ROP risk assessment.
Abstract

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