Clinical Ophthalmology (Jun 2021)
Clinical Characteristics of Preterm Neonates with Aggressive Posterior Retinopathy of Prematurity
Abstract
Nancy Abdel Salam Gomaa,1 Youssef AH Helmy,2 Sara Maher,2 Dina Hassanein,2 Asmaa Shuaib,2 Ahmed I Hegazy,2 Aliaa A Ali1 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 2Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, EgyptCorrespondence: Aliaa A AliDepartment of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo University Specialized Pediatric Hospital, 1 Ali Basha Ibrahim Street, Giza, Cairo, 11562, EgyptTel +201001115611Email [email protected]: We aimed to identify the risk factors that may predispose preterm neonates to develop aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP).Methods: This retrospective case control study included 16 infants with APROP in zone 1 or posterior zone 2. Thirty-four gestational age and birth weight-matched controls with stage 2 or less ROP were included. We reviewed medical records on infant birth and postnatal characteristics.Results: Patients who developed APROP had a significantly longer duration of caffeine therapy, were significantly more likely to be small for gestational age (SGA), and were more likely to have a positive blood culture than patients who developed less severe ROP. Patients with APROP who required retreatment had received inotropes for a longer duration of time, had received more plasma transfusions, were more likely to have IVH, and had a greater decrease in the serum hemoglobin during hospitalization.Conclusion: Being SGA, receiving caffeine for a longer duration, and having culture-proven sepsis were associated with APROP. IVH, a low serum hemoglobin, the need for more plasma transfusions, and a longer duration of inotropes were associated with APROP which required retreatment.Keywords: aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity, caffeine, dopamine, preterm neonate, small for gestational age
