Retinopathy of prematurity: Incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes at a tertiary care center in Telangana

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), prevalence of pre-and postnatal risk factors for development of ROP, and treatment outcomes among preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a tertiary care hospital located in Hyderabad. Materials and Methods: Retrospective chart review of all infants admitted to the NICU between 2008 and 2013, who met the criteria for ROP screening: (a) ≤34 weeks of gestation, (b) ≤1750 g of birth weight, (c) infants with significant risk factors including sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, or long-term oxygen use. Treatment was offered to infants with Stage III ROP disease or Stage II in Zone II with plus disease. Qualified infants were treated with argon laser photocoagulation within 48 h of diagnosis. They were followed until the disease was successfully treated. Results: A total of 2910 infants were admitted to the NICU. Incidence of ROP was found to be 2.3% (n = 66), the majority of whom (71%) had Stage I ROP. Seventeen percent of the infants weighed <1000 g. The most prevalent prenatal risk factor was multiple gestations (17%). Prevalent postnatal risk factors included oxygen treatment (71%) and respiratory distress syndrome (58%). Twelve percent (8/66) of infants met the treatment threshold. Following argon laser, regression was observed in 100% of infants, with no recurrence with follow-up between 1 and 4 years after treatment. Conclusions: This is the first study to evaluate the incidence of ROP in Telangana. Argon laser photocoagulation appears to be effective in the treatment of infants in this population. We recommend screening infants ≤32 weeks of gestation and infants born ≤1700 g birth weight.

Keywords

• Argon laser photocoagulation treatment
• India
• pre- and postnatal risk factors
• retinopathy of prematurity
• Telangana