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Incidence and Risk Factors of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Southeastern Iran: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Alireza Maleki1, Meisam Sargazi1, Ali Yousefian1,2
1Alzahra Eye Hospital Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects 20.2% of premature infants, with lower gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW) increasing risk. Blood transfusions and phototherapy were linked to ROP development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of preventable vision loss in premature infants.
- Risk factors for ROP vary geographically, necessitating regional studies.
- This study investigates ROP incidence and risk factors in southeastern Iran.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of ROP in a referral eye hospital in southeastern Iran.
- To identify associated risk factors for ROP development in preterm infants.
- To analyze factors influencing the need for ROP treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of preterm infants (BW ≤ 2000g or GA ≤ 34 weeks) and infants with specific GA/BW ranges.
- Data collected from March 2022 to March 2023.
- Logistic regression analysis to identify risk and protective factors.
Main Results:
- 920 infants were included in the study.
- The overall incidence of ROP was 20.2%, with 3.58% requiring treatment.
- Higher gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW) were protective against ROP; blood transfusion and phototherapy increased ROP risk.
Conclusions:
- Lower GA, lower BW, history of blood transfusion, and phototherapy are associated with ROP development.
- Phototherapy use was linked to a decreased need for treatment in ROP patients.
- Findings highlight the importance of regional risk factor assessment for ROP management.
Background:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of preventable premature infant vision loss. Many studies have reported different risk factors depending on the region. In this study, we evaluated the incidence of ROP and associated risk factors in a referral eye hospital in southeastern Iran.
Methods:
This was a retrospective cohort study of preterm infants with birth weight (BW)≤2000 g or gestational age (GA)≤34 weeks and infants with GA between 34-37 weeks or GA<37 weeks and BW>2000 g referred by their pediatricians to our center from March 2022 until March 2023.
Results:
Totally, 920 infants met the inclusion criteria for the study. The incidence of ROP and ROP requiring treatment was 20.2% and 3.58% respectively. Results of logistic regression analysis showed higher GA and BW as protective factors against ROP occurrence. History of blood transfusion and phototherapy increased ROP development.
Conclusion:
Lower GA, lower BW, history of blood transfusion, and phototherapy were associated with ROP development. Phototherapy decreased the need for treatment among ROP patients.
