Influence of oxygen in the development of retinopathy of prematurity

to describe the influence of oxygen in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature newborns (PTNB) hospitalized in neonatal units of intensive care and undergoing ophthalmological follow-up procedures after hospital discharge.

retrospective cohort study, from January 2014 to June 2016, whose data collection totaled 181 charts. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.

when using oxygen (O2) in 148 PTNB (81.7%), both mask (n=141; 77.9%; p-value <0.001) and the tracheal tube predominated (n=100; 55.25; p-value <0.001) for 15 days in average. The time of use and O2 concentration of the tracheal tube (p-value <0.001), the time of mask use (p-value <0.001) and the time and concentration of O2 of the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) (p-value <0.001) were significant to cause ROP in 50 PTNB (11.31%).

the oxygen therapy has influenced the development and severity of ROP, indicating the need to adopt protocols for its use.