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Long-term ocular sequelae in preterm Thai infants: A comprehensive retrospective study
Worapot Srimanan1, Warissara Kitsirilarp
1Ophthalmology Division, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Thung Phayathai Subdistrict, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Premature infants face significant risks of eye conditions like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and long-term issues such as strabismus and amblyopia. This study highlights a 31.5% ROP incidence and notable prevalence of these sequelae in Thai preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Prematurity is linked to various ocular conditions, including strabismus, refractive errors, amblyopia, and cataracts.
- Comprehensive data on these outcomes in preterm Thai infants is limited, necessitating localized research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants at Phramongkutklao Hospital.
- To assess the prevalence of long-term ocular sequelae, including cataracts, refractive errors, strabismus, and amblyopia, at 2-year follow-up.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for preterm infants screened for ROP from January 2011 to April 2022.
- Data collection at birth with follow-up analysis at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years of age.
- Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, to identify risk factors for strabismus.
Main Results:
- The incidence of ROP was 31.5% among the 308 preterm infants studied.
- At 2-year follow-up, ocular sequelae prevalence included: cataracts (0.65%), strabismus (14.4%), amblyopia (6%), and refractive errors (51.8% - myopia 18.1%, hyperopia 33.7%).
- Delayed growth and development (aOR=13.28) and amblyopia (aOR=19.65) were significantly associated with increased strabismus risk.
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants in Thailand have a substantial incidence of ROP and a high prevalence of long-term ocular complications.
- Early detection and management of ROP and associated risk factors are crucial for preventing severe visual impairment.
- Delayed growth and amblyopia are significant predictors of strabismus development in this cohort.
Abstract:
Prematurity can lead to various ocular conditions, including strabismus, refractive errors, amblyopia, and cataracts. However, comprehensive data on these outcomes in preterm Thai infants is limited. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and assess long-term ocular sequelae, such as cataracts, refractive errors, strabismus, and amblyopia, among preterm infants at Phramongkutklao Hospital. A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for premature infants screened for ROP between January 2011 and April 2022. Data were collected at birth, and follow-up visits were analyzed at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years of age. The primary outcomes included the incidence of ROP and the prevalence of long-term ocular sequelae. A total of 308 preterm infants were included in the study. The incidence of ROP was found to be 31.5%. At the 2-year follow-up, the prevalence of cataracts was 0.65%, strabismus 14.4%, and amblyopia 6%. Refractive errors were observed in 51.8% of the infants, with 18.1% showing myopia and 33.7% hyperopia. Logistic regression analysis indicated that delayed growth and development (adjusted odds ratio = 13.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.83-96.68) and amblyopia (adjusted odds ratio = 19.65, 95% confidence interval: 2.85-135.54) were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing strabismus, after adjusting for confounding factors. The study identified an ROP incidence of 31.5% in the preterm cohort. At 2 years, long-term ocular sequelae included a prevalence of cataracts (0.65%), strabismus (14.4%), amblyopia (6%), and refractive errors (51.8%). Delayed growth and development, along with amblyopia, were found to elevate the risk of strabismus development significantly.
