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Epidemiological Profile of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Central India
Rajesh S Joshi1, Harsha Singh2, Riya Joshi3
1Ophthalmology, Government Medical College, Akola, IND.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects 30% of preterm infants in central India, with severe cases linked to low birth weight and gestational age. Early screening and optimized care are crucial for preventing vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Incidence and risk factors for ROP can vary based on geographical location and healthcare infrastructure.
- Central India presents unique challenges in managing ROP due to disparities in healthcare accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of ROP in preterm infants in central India.
- To identify key risk factors associated with ROP development and severity.
- To evaluate clinical outcomes and treatment responses in affected infants.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, observational study was conducted over three years in a tertiary teaching hospital.
- Included neonates with gestational age <34 weeks or birth weight <2000g, and high-risk neonates aged 34-36 weeks.
- Infants underwent ROP screening, with outcomes classified by disease severity.
Main Results:
- Out of 300 preterm infants, 90 (30%) developed ROP; 30 (10%) had severe ROP requiring treatment.
- Severe ROP was strongly associated with lower gestational age (29.8 weeks) and birth weight (1200g).
- Significant risk factors included prolonged oxygen therapy, sepsis, multiple births, and blood transfusions. Treatment achieved regression in 85% of severe cases, but 15% had complications.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive ROP screening is essential in central India.
- Optimizing oxygen therapy and infection control are critical for ROP prevention.
- Further research on long-term outcomes and tailored interventions is needed for this population.
Background:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative retinal disorder predominantly affecting premature infants with low birth weight. This study aims to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of ROP among preterm infants in central India, where the healthcare infrastructure and accessibility vary significantly.
Materials And Methods:
This prospective, observational, non-randomized study was conducted over three years in a tertiary teaching hospital in central India. The study included neonates with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks and/or birth weight of below 2000 grams, as well as neonates between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation who had specific risk factors (e.g., oxygen therapy, sepsis, multiple births, blood transfusion) and were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Infants were screened for ROP, and outcomes were categorized based on the severity of the disease.
Results:
Of the 300 preterm infants enrolled, 90 (30%) developed ROP, with 60 (20%) having mild ROP and 30 (10%) requiring treatment for severe ROP. Severe ROP was significantly associated with lower gestational age (mean: 29.8 weeks) and lower birth weight (mean: 1200 grams). Prolonged oxygen therapy, sepsis, multiple pregnancies, and blood transfusions were identified as significant risk factors. Following laser photocoagulation treatment, 85% (n=25) of infants with severe ROP showed regression, though 15% (n=13) experienced complications leading to significant visual impairment.
Conclusion:
This study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive ROP screening, optimized oxygen therapy guidelines, and robust infection control to mitigate the risk of ROP in central India. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and innovative prevention and treatment approaches tailored to this population's unique needs.
