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Perinatal Risk Factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm and Low Birth Weight Neonates
Reena Yadav1, Sharad Gupta1, Jyoti Baba Shrestha
1Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Siraha, Lahan, Nepal.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects 22.8% of premature infants. Lower gestational age and longer oxygen exposure significantly increase ROP risk in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a growing cause of childhood blindness.
- Improved neonatal care increases the incidence of ROP in premature infants.
- This study identifies perinatal risk factors for ROP in preterm, low birth weight neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine perinatal risk factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).
- To assess the association between ROP and various neonatal factors.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, descriptive, hospital-based study of 92 neonates (gestational age ≤36 weeks, birth weight ≤2000g).
- Screening included antenatal, perinatal, and neonatal history, birth asphyxia, and oxygen support records.
- Eye examinations performed within 4 weeks of life, classifying ROP per international standards; Chi-square and odds ratio used for analysis.
Main Results:
- 22.8% of neonates (21/92) developed ROP.
- ROP stages ranged from 1 to 3.
- Significant associations found between ROP and birth weight (OR=2.9), gestational age (OR=3.9), and duration of oxygen exposure (OR=2.9).
Conclusions:
- High incidence of ROP observed in preterm, low birth weight neonates.
- Lower gestational age and prolonged oxygen exposure are significant risk factors for ROP development.
Background:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is emerging as a leading cause of childhood blindness. The incidence of ROP is likely to increase after improvement in neonatal care unit in premature neonates. This study is conducted to determine the perinatal risk factors for ROP in preterm and low birth weight neonates.
Methods:
This is a prospective, descriptive and clinical; hospital based study. A total of 92 preterm neonates with gestational age of 36 weeks or less and birth weight of 2000 grams or less admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) were screened. Detailed antenatal, perinatal and neonatal history; birth asphyxia and subsequent oxygen support records were noted. All the neonates underwent detailed anterior and posterior segment eye examination with indirect binocular ophthalmoscope after pupil dilatation within 4 weeks of life. Retinal vascular changes were classified according to the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity. The Chi-square test with odds ratio was performed to derive the association between ROP and antenatal, perinatal and neonatal factors. A p-value was considered significant at 0.05.
Result:
Out of 92 neonates, 21(22.8%) developed ROP. Twelve neonates (13%) had stage-1 ROP, 6(6.5%) had stage-2 and 3(3.3%) had stage-3 ROP. Birth weight (OR=2.9; p=0.04; 95% CI=1.0-8.3), gestational age (OR=3.9; p=0.01; 95% CI=1.3-11.8) and time span of oxygen exposure (OR=2.9; p=0.05; 95% CI=1.0-8.4) had a strong association with ROP.
Conclusion:
The incidence of ROP is significantly high among preterm low birth weight neonates. The risk of developing ROP becomes even greater with lower gestational age and more duration of oxygen exposure.
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