Postnatal weight gain as a predictor of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm babies

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study is to observe the postnatal weight gain as a predictor of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm babies. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from October 2018 to March 2020 in the Department of Neonatology and Ophthalmology, BSMMU Shahbag, Dhaka. Preterm neonates whose gestational age (GA) <35 weeks and birth weight (BW) <2000 g were included in the study. Results: The frequency of ROP was 35%. Most of them had Stage 1 ROP 17 (52%), and second most cause was aggressive posterior ROP 8 (24%). Severe form of ROP is more in “postnatal weight gain not achieved group.” On bivariate analysis, postnatal weight gain, BW, gestation, sepsis, apnea, necrotizing enterocolitis, use of oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure, mechanical ventilation, and blood transfusion were significantly associated with ROP. Not achieving postnatal weight gain and low gestation were significantly associated with ROP on logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Not achieving postnatal weight gain and low GA are a predictor of retinopathy of retinopathy.