Risk factor analysis for the development and progression of retinopathy of prematurity

To classify the risk factors that contribute to the development versus progression of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

The medical records of premature infants born with a birth weight (BW) less than 1501 g or a gestational age (GA) of 32 weeks or less were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty potential risk factors that may influence the development or progression of ROP were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The progression of ROP was defined as type 1 ROP, threshold ROP, or aggressive posterior ROP for which treatment was recommended.

A total of 324 eyes were included; 157 eyes (48.5%) showed ROP development, and 48 eyes exhibited ROP progression (14.8% of all eyes and 30.6% of the ROP-developed eyes). According to the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, prenatal steroid use, GA, the duration of mechanical ventilation, and respiratory distress syndrome were associated with the development of ROP. However, GA, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the number of red blood cell units transfused, intraventricular hemorrhage, and periventricular leukomalacia were significantly correlated with ROP progression.

The risk factors that influenced ROP development versus ROP progression were not identical. Evaluating these risk factors during screening of high-risk premature infants will help determine the appropriate timing of examinations and treatment.