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Weight at first detection of retinopathy of prematurity predicts disease severity
Pia Lundgren1, Åsa Wilde1, Chatarina Löfqvist1
1Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Insights
Low postnatal weight at retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) detection can predict which preterm infants require treatment for severe ROP. This finding aids in identifying high-risk infants early.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Ophthalmology
- Perinatal Research
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in preterm infants.
- Early identification of infants at risk for severe ROP is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if postnatal weight at the initial detection of ROP can predict the development of severe ROP requiring treatment.
- To evaluate the predictive value of weight standard deviation scores (WSDS) at ROP detection.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study of 147 infants born before 32 weeks gestational age (GA).
- Retrospective retrieval of data on GA, birth weight (BW), postnatal weight, and ROP status.
- Calculation of birth weight SD scores (BWSDS) and WSDS at first ROP detection.
Main Results:
- Gestational age (GA) and WSDS at first ROP detection were significant predictors of severe ROP.
- Lower GA (OR=0.28) and lower WSDS (OR=0.22) at ROP detection were associated with increased risk of severe ROP requiring treatment.
Conclusions:
- Postnatal weight, specifically the WSDS at the time of ROP detection, is a valuable predictor for identifying preterm infants who will develop severe ROP.
- These findings can assist clinicians in risk stratification and management of ROP in preterm neonates.
Objective:
To investigate whether postnatal weight at first detection of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can predict preterm infants who will develop severe ROP warranting treatment.
Design:
This modern, population-based cohort included 147 infants born at gestational age (GA) <32 weeks in the Gothenburg region during 2011-2012 and screened for ROP at Sahlgrenska University hospital. GA, birth weight (BW), and weekly postnatal weight from birth until postmenstrual age (PMA) 40 weeks data were retrospectively retrieved. Birth weight SD scores (BWSDS) were calculated. ROP data, including first detected ROP stage, maximal ROP stage, ROP treatment, and PMA at first detected sign of ROP were also retrieved. Weight SDS (WSDS) at first ROP detection was calculated.
Results:
Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the best fit-model of risk factors for developing severe ROP warranting treatment included; GA (OR=0.28, CI 95% 0.12 to 0.66, p<0.01) and WSDS at first ROP detection (OR=0.22, CI 95% 0.05 to 0.89, p<0.05).
Conclusions:
Low weight and low WSDS at first ROP detection can be useful predictors for ROP warranting treatment.
