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Retinopathy of prematurity and associated factors in Lagos, Nigeria
I B Fajolu1, A Rotimi-Samuel, O T Aribaba
1Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos , Nigeria.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was found in 15% of preterm infants, with 7.5% requiring treatment. Early screening and accessible treatment facilities are crucial for at-risk infants.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Screening and timely treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are vital for preventing visual impairment in high-risk infants.
- ROP is a significant concern in preterm infants, necessitating dedicated screening protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and identify risk factors associated with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
- To assess ROP prevalence in preterm infants at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involved preterm infants (gestational age < 32 weeks, birth weight ≤ 1500 g) from November 2011 to May 2014.
- Infant eye examinations were conducted using indirect ophthalmoscopy at 4-6 weeks of life or 34 weeks post-conceptual age, with weekly follow-ups.
- Data on gestational age, birth weight, oxygen use, respiratory distress, and other potential risk factors were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Out of 80 infants, 12 (15%) had any ROP, and 6 (7.5%) had treatable ROP.
- Infants with ROP had significantly lower mean gestational age (28.2 weeks) and birth weight (1124 g) compared to those without ROP.
- No significant association was found between ROP and risk factors like supplemental oxygen, sepsis, respiratory distress, or anemia.
Conclusions:
- The study identified a high frequency of ROP and treatable ROP among preterm infants.
- Routine ROP screening is recommended for all preterm infants.
- Establishing affordable ROP treatment facilities in public hospitals is essential.
Background:
Screening and early treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is important to reduce visual impairment in at risk infants.
Aim:
To determine the frequency and risk factors associated with ROP in preterm infants in Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
Methods:
This was a prospective cohort study of preterm infants with gestational age (GA) less than 32 weeks and birthweight 1500 g or less conducted from November 2011 to May 2014. The infants' eyes were examined using an indirect ophthalmoscope at 4-6 weeks of life or at 34 weeks post-conceptual age. Examinations were repeated weekly until regression or progression to a high risk pre-threshold disease. Staging was according to the revised International Classification for ROP and treatment criteria were as defined by the Early Treatment for ROP study. The GA, birth weight (BW), use of oxygen, presence of respiratory distress syndrome and other risk factors were recorded and tested for significance.
Results:
Twelve (15%) of the 80 infants examined had any ROP and six (7.5%) had treatable ROP. The mean (SD) GA and BW for infants with ROP were both lower than for those without ROP; 28.2 (1.7) weeks vs 29.1 (1.6) weeks and 1124 (212) g vs 1251 (274) g for GA and BW, respectively. Risk factors such as supplemental oxygen, sepsis, respiratory distress and anaemia were not significantly associated with ROP.
Conclusion:
The frequency of ROP and treatable ROP was high; it is therefore recommended that routine care of preterm infants should include screening for ROP and that affordable treatment facilities should be provided in public hospitals.
