Neonatal risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity--a population-based study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to evaluate possible neonatal risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a population-based group of preterm, very low birth weight, infants.


METHODS
The main study group included 202 single-born infants with a birth weight of 1500 grams or less. A group of 57 twins were also described. Selected risk factors were extracted from the neonatal records.


RESULTS
Univariate analysis revealed an association between ROP and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), septicaemia, intraventricular bleeding, and the use of ventilator as well as continuous positive airway pressure. In a stepwise logistic regression analysis, however, only gestational age at birth, birth weight and BPD were significantly associated with ROP.


CONCLUSIONS
Prematurity per se remains the strongest risk factor for ROP.
Holmström
G
G
Department of Ophthalmology, Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Broberger
U
U
Thomassen
P
P
D001724:Birth Weight; D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000502:physiology*; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors