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Clinicoepidemiological Profile of Retinopathy of Prematurity
Sasmita Sahu1, Sharmistha Behera1, Gurudev Bishi1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Burla, Sambalpur, IND.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects nearly half of preterm infants, with higher birth weights and gestational ages increasing susceptibility. Screening criteria should expand to include these infants, especially those with risk factors like sepsis and respiratory distress syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant concern in preterm infants, with increasing global prevalence.
- Mechanical ventilation and oxygen dependence are linked to ROP development.
- Despite improved neonatal care, ROP risk factors persist, necessitating further clinical investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the clinical and epidemiological profile of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
- To identify risk factors and adverse events associated with ROP in preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study involving 268 preterm infants.
- Data collected from the Department of Ophthalmology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
- Ethical approval obtained prior to study commencement.
Main Results:
- ROP developed in 46% of the infants, primarily stage 1 and 2.
- Lower birth weight (<1500g) and gestational age were significant predictors of ROP.
- Associated adverse events included sepsis (53%), RDS (54.6%), IVH (60%), and anemia (61.5%).
Conclusions:
- Higher birth weight and gestational age do not preclude ROP development.
- Expanded screening criteria for ROP are recommended for infants up to 1750g and >34 weeks gestation.
- Infants with risk factors like sepsis, RDS, and anemia require vigilant ROP screening.
Abstract:
Purpose In previously performed studies, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has been shown to occur postpartum. As a result, mechanical ventilation and oxygen dependence were eventually connected to the development of ROP in these preterm children, and ROP prevalence is on the rise globally. Despite various improvements in childcare, ROP still tends to arise due to various risk factors associated with the disease. So, clinically the research was performed to determine the clinical and epidemiological profile of ROP. Materials and methods A total of 268 participants were to be enrolled in the study. It was an observational, cross-sectional study carried out at Department of Ophthalmology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha, India. Ethical approval was provided on 30 November 2019. Results Overall 123 (46%) infants out of 268 infants developed retinopathy of prematurity. Majorly, the infants had stage 1 and stage 2 ROP. Most of the infants were male. Birth weight in ROP patients was 1000 g or less in 54% of infants, 1000-1500 g in 46% of infants and >1500 g in 33% of infants. Gestational age was found to be a predictor of retinopathy of prematurity. The adverse events that were found to be associated with retinopathy of prematurity were sepsis (53%), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (54.6%), intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) (60%), anaemia (61.5%). Conclusion It has been observed that babies with higher birth weights and older gestations are also susceptible to developing ROP. Therefore, the greater birth weight newborns up to 1750 g and older gestational age babies >34 weeks should also be included in the screening criteria, especially if they have risk factors such as oxygen supplementation, sepsis, RDS, and anaemia.
