Impact of Birth and Hospitalization Factors in Retinopathy of Prematurity

Abstract

Background: Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a pathologic condition in the retina characterized by abnormal vasoproliferation. We aim to investigate the correlation of different birth- and hospitalization-related factors in the progression of ROP.
 Methods: This historical cohort study performed in the ophthalmology center of Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital in Babol (Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran), included 828 infants (gestational age <35 weeks and birth weight <2500 g). Also, data were collected from the history of hospitalized premature infants. 
 Results: The lower gestational weight of infants has been observed in ROP infants (1418.05±547.09 g) compared to non-ROP infants (1917.31±486.01 g) (p<0.001). In addition, the average gestational age of ROP infants (30.28±2.34 weeks) was younger than non-ROP infants (33.26±1.00 weeks) (p=0.042). Increase in the duration of hospitalization increased 6% the chance of ROP in infants (OR=1.06; 95%CI: [1.05,1.08]) (p<0.001). Furthermore, increase in the count of blood replacement decreased 29% the chance of complete remission of ROP (OR=0.71; 95%CI: [0.51,0.95]) (p=0.029). The blood group does not have an impact on ROP development or remission. 
 Conclusion: More birth weight of premature infants is associated with less chance of ROP incidence. Moreover, the lower gestational age is related to more chances of ROP.