Predictive value of hemoglobin and hematocrit in neonates with retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

Background Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disorder produced by anomalous proliferation of retinal vessels in preterm neonates. ROP can lead to vision impairment ranging from mild disease with no vision impairment to severe vision weakening with possible complete blindness. ROP is considered the major cause of blindness in newborns. The study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT) in neonates with ROP. Patients and methods This retrospective case–control study included 30 preterm neonates with ROP as the patient group, and another 30 healthy preterm neonates of matched age, weight, and sex served as a control group. All clinical data, ophthalmological examinations, and laboratory data were retrieved from the records of all included neonates. Complete blood count was performed within the first 72 h after delivery. Results Premature neonates with ROP had significantly lower Hb and HCT levels compared with the control group. There was a significant negative correlation between the development of ROP and both Hb and HCT values. Logistic regression analysis revealed that both Hb and HCT value were good predictors for the development of ROP in preterm neonates. Hb level at a cutoff less than 12 g/dl had a sensitivity of 93%, a specificity of 97%, and an accuracy of 95% to predict the occurrence of ROP. HCT level at a cutoff less than 36% had a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 97%, and an accuracy of 90% to predict the occurrence of ROP. Conclusion Hb and HCT values were good predictors for the development of ROP in preterm neonates.