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Risk Factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm Infants in Kerman, Iran
Arash Daneshtalab1, Mahla Shadravan1, Amirreza Mobasherzadeh Mahani2
1Clinical Research Development Unit, Shafa Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Insights
Low birth weight and prolonged hospitalization are key risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants. Identifying these factors is crucial for preventing blindness in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal ophthalmology
- Public health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of blindness in premature infants.
- ROP prevalence is increasing globally despite advancements in neonatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify critical risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
- To inform strategies for reducing the incidence and impact of ROP.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 579 preterm infants (gestational age < 36 weeks) from 2014-2015.
- Inclusion of demographic and ophthalmic data, including birth weight and hospitalization duration.
- Multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine significant risk factors.
Main Results:
- The incidence of ROP was 17.96%.
- Birth weight (BW) and duration of hospitalization were identified as significant risk factors for ROP.
- BW was also strongly associated with the need for ROP therapy.
Conclusions:
- Low birth weight and extended hospitalization are significant predictors of ROP development.
- These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and managing these factors in high-risk infants.
Purpose:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the main cause of blindness in premature infants. Despite developments in neonatal care and management guidelines, ROP is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Hence, the identification of risk factors for ROP is critical to diminish the burden of the disease.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included all infants with gestational age 36 weeks referred to the ophthalmology clinic at Shafa hospital, Kerman, Iran from 2014 to 2015. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed followed by demographic and ophthalmic data collection and analysis.
Results:
A total of 579 preterm neonates were screened including 325 boys and 254 girls. The incidence of ROP was 17.96%. Mean birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA) were 1668.0 grams and 31.2 weeks, respectively. The results indicated that BW, GA, duration of hospitalization and oxygen therapy were significantly related to the development of ROP, however, after multivariate logistic regression analysis, only BW and duration of hospitalization remained significant. There were no significant associations between gender, type of delivery, or assisted reproductive technologies, and ROP (P = 0.461, 0.461, and 0.826, respectively).
Conclusion:
BW and duration of hospitalization were significant risk factors for ROP in the current study. BW was also strongly associated with the need for therapy.
