Study of incidence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity in tertiary care centre

Abstract

Purpose: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a preventable cause of childhood blindness. Identification of risk factors is essential for its early detection and management. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and risk factors of Retinopathy of Prematurity in preterm babies admitted in neonatal care unit over the period of one year. Materials and Methods: A clinical retrospective study was done among 259 preterm babies referred to our department from October 2014 to September 2015 for screening of ROP. Fundus examination with indirect ophthalmoscope (IDO) was done. Babies with manifestation of ROP were followed-up for progression and managed appropriately. Results: One hundred and forty-two (54.8%) babies were found to have ROP at various stages. In very low birth weight (VLBW) babies (<1000 g; n = 40), 34 (85%) had ROP, out of which 19 (55.9%) had significant disease. Among LBW neonates (<1500 g; n = 165), 108 (65.45%) had ROP, out of which 37 (34.3%) had significant disease (P < 0.05). In neonates less than 28 weeks (n = 33), 25 (75.8%) had ROP, out of which 14 (56%) had significant disease. Out of the 103 babies who had RDS, 61 (59.2%) babies developed ROP, out of which 20 (32.8%) had significant disease. Conclusion: Prematurity and LBW were found to be independent risk factors in development of ROP in neonates.

Keywords

• Low birth weight; prematurity; retinopathy of prematurity.