Effects of Breastfeeding and Perinatal Factors on Development of Retinopathy of Prematurity

Abstract

Objective: Breastfeeding is very important for the development and well-being of an infant. Other perinatal factors also influence the well-being of the infant like the method of conception, delivery method and multiple pregnancy. Our aim in this study is to investigate the effects of these factors on the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: The records of premature infants who were screened for ROP between 2015 and 2018. Gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), sex, time spent in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), assisted reproduction method, method of delivery, breastfeeding and multiple births were noted. The presence of ROP, stage and zone of the disease, treatment for ROP were recorded. Results: GA and BW were significantly lower and time spent in NICU was significantly longer in infants with ROP (p<0.001). Only breastfed patients had a lower rate of ROP than other groups, however they had significantly higher GA, BW and lower time in NICU. Assisted conception significantly decreased the presence of any stage ROP (p=0.037). Delivery method and multiple pregnancy didn’t have an effect on the presence of ROP. Conclusion: Low GA, low BW and more time spent in NICU are the major risk factors for development of ROP. The relation between ROP and breastfeeding is not reliable because of the significant difference of BW, GA and time spent in NICU that exists between the only breastfed group and others. Assisted reproductive techniques decreased the incidence of ROP which might be due to the advances in the assisted reproduction methods.