Incidence And Risk Factors Of Retinopathy Of Prematurity: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity is a condition where development of abnormal retinal vessels is secondary to an incomplete vascularization of retinal tissue due to hyperoxia, causing feedback inhibition of VEGF and destruction of endothelial cells. The risk factors of ROP should be identified to prevent disease development, and the knowledge of its etiology may help neonatologists and ophthalmologists perform careful screening and executive accurate diagnosis. In view of less literature on ROP in India, the current study was undertaken. Methods: This is a hospital-based observational study done on Neonates born at our tertiary care center- ASRAM Medical College, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh. The study was done for 6 months. Preterm infants having birth weight ≤ 1500g or gestational age ≤ 32 weeks or BW > 1500g or GA between 32 to 37 weeks with either respiratory distress syndrome, or sepsis, blood transfusions, and intraventricular hemorrhage were included. Results: ROP found in 21% infants. There is no significant difference in gender, mean gestational age between two grroups. Among 21 infants with ROP, 11 had stage 1 ROP, 8 had stage 2 and 2 had stage 3 ROP. There is significant difference in mean birth weight in between two groups. Conclusion: Impaired lung function (indicating the need for usage of surfactant) which may be, caused by pneumonia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or hyaline membrane disease, is an important risk factor for the development of ROP. ROP needs prompt therapeutic interventions to maintain high interest at this stage