Association of Intrauterine Growth with Retinopathy of Prematurity Risk in Very Preterm Infants: A Multicenter Cohort

Juan Du1,2, Xinyue Gu3, Siyuan Jiang3,4

  • 1Neonatal Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Neonatology
|October 16, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Lower birth weight percentile in premature infants is linked to higher retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) risk. A 10% decrease in birth weight percentile increases ROP odds by 15%.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Ophthalmology
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Intrauterine growth status, measured by birth weight (BW) percentiles, has an unclear impact on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) development.
  • Establishing BW percentile-specific risk gradients is crucial for understanding ROP pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the relationship between BW percentile and ROP incidence in preterm infants.
  • To establish BW percentile-specific risk gradients for ROP development.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter cohort study analyzed data from the Chinese Neonatal Network (2019-2021).
  • Exposure: Gestational age (GA)- and sex-specific BW percentile. Outcome: ROP incidence.
  • Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated, stratified by GA, infant sex, maternal hypertension, and birth status.

Main Results:

  • 17,882 preterm infants were included; mean BW 1300g, GA 29.9 weeks.
  • ROP incidence was 27% (any stage) and 3.7% (severe ROP, stage ≥3).
  • Each 10% decrease in BW percentile increased ROP odds by 15% (aOR 0.85). Optimal cut-offs were 26% for any ROP and 19% for severe ROP.

Conclusions:

  • ROP incidence is negatively associated with BW percentile in preterm infants.
  • Lower BW percentiles (<26% for any ROP, <19% for severe ROP) significantly elevate ROP risk.
  • These findings highlight the importance of monitoring BW percentiles for ROP risk assessment.
Abstract