TO STUDY THE INCIDENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN INDIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a multifactorial retinal vaso-proliferative disorder which remains a leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide despite improvements in neonatal care and management guidelines. This study was conducted to determine the incidence of ROP among preterm neonates and to determine the risk factors. METHODS: All preterm infants with birth weight <1750 gm and gestation <34 weeks were screened for ROP at 4 weeks of birth for rst screening. Prenatal and postnatal risk factors, neonatal problems, treatment given, procedures and interventions done during stay in neonatal intensive care unit were recorded as per the proforma. The data from the study was systematically collected, compiled and statistically analyzed with SPSS Statistics-26 version to draw relevant conclusions. RESULTS: The incidence of ROP in 89 infants who were screened was 44%. The mean gestational age of babies with ROP was 32 weeks. In our study, pneumonia, apnea, sepsis, thrombocytopenia, NEC, shock, acidosis, IVH, BPD, the use of Bubble CPAP, Venti-CPAP and mechanical ventilator, the vasopressor use and blood transfusion were signicant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ROP was signicantly higher in babies <34 weeks. It was observed in our that lower the birth weight and lower the gestational age, higher is the risk for the development of ROP. Careful and timed retinal examination of all at risk infants will minimize the development of ROP and later on blindness.