Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2025
Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
Retinopathy of Prematurity in Eight Portuguese Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Incidence, Risk Factors, and
Mariza Fevereiro-Martins1,2,3, Ana Carolina Santos1, Carlos Marques-Neves1,4
1Ecogenetics and Human Health Unit, Environmental Health Institute-ISAMB, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
Background/Objectives:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal neovascular disease affecting preterm infants. Identifying risk factors for its development and progression is critical for effective screening and prevention. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of ROP and identify key risk factors for its development and progression.
Methods:
We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study on 455 neonates (gestational age [GA] < 32 weeks or birth weight < 1500 g) across eight Portuguese NICUs.
Results:
ROP incidence was 37.8%, with 4.6% requiring treatment. Multivariate analysis identified low GA and the number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions as significant factors for ROP development and progression. After adjusting for these variables, platelet transfusions, high maximum fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) in the second week, and surfactant use remained significantly associated with ROP development, while early and late sepsis, maternal chronic hypertension, and delayed enteral nutrition were associated with progression to ROP requiring treatment.
Conclusions:
These findings underscore the importance of addressing low GAs and adult RBC transfusions in ROP risk management and suggest that maximum FiO2, platelet transfusions, and sepsis also play crucial roles. Larger studies are needed to validate these results and explore preventive interventions, particularly regarding the impact of multiple adult RBC transfusions on fetal hemoglobin percentages.
