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Perinatal factors associated with retinopathy of prematurity
J E Gallo1, L Jacobson, U Broberger
1Department of Ophthalmology, Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity affects nearly half of premature infants. Birth weight, oxygen therapy duration, and maternal beta-blocker use are key risk factors, necessitating cautious prescribing.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Ophthalmology
- Perinatal Care
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- The multifactorial etiology of ROP may be influenced by evolving neonatal care practices and associated risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between 42 perinatal factors and the development of ROP in high-risk infants.
- To identify specific perinatal factors associated with ROP development using statistical analysis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 42 perinatal factors in 78 infants with birth weight < 1501 g and/or gestational age < 33 weeks.
- Chronological analysis of pO2 and pCO2 values.
- Step-wise logistic regression to identify significant risk factors for ROP.
Main Results:
- ROP was observed in 47.4% of the studied infants.
- Nineteen perinatal factors showed a relationship with ROP development.
- Logistic regression identified birth weight, duration of oxygen therapy, and maternal pre-birth beta-blocker use as significant associated factors.
Conclusions:
- Birth weight, oxygen therapy duration, and maternal beta-blocker use are critical factors in ROP development.
- Caution is advised regarding the use of beta-blocking agents by mothers immediately before birth due to their association with ROP.
Abstract:
The etiology of retinopathy of prematurity appears to be multifactorial. Introduction of new treatments in neonatal care may add new risk factors. We have analyzed the relationship between 42 perinatal factors and the development of retinopathy of prematurity in 78 infants with a birth weight < 1501 g and/or gestational age < 33 weeks. We have also applied a chronological analysis of the maximum and minimum pO2 and pCO2 values. Retinopathy of prematurity was seen in 37 of 78 infants (47.4%). Nineteen factors were found to be related to the development of retinopathy of prematurity. However, when step-wise logistic regression analysis was used, only birth weight, number of days of oxygen therapy and use of beta-blocking agents by the mother before birth were found to be associated with the development of retinopathy of prematurity. The results suggest that medication with beta blockers immediately before birth should be used cautiously.