Risk factors of threshold retinopathy of prematurity.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the risk factors which predispose to the development of threshold retinopathy of prematurity among patients of retinopathy of prematurity.


METHODS
The ROP clinic records of a 3 year period were retrospectively studied to identify babies with threshold ROP (T-ROP) and sub-threshold ROP (ST-ROP). Various antenatal and perinatal risk factors, neonatal morbidity and therapeutic interventions were compared between the 2 groups.


RESULTS
Of the total of 108 babies, 55 had T-ROP and 53 had ST-ROP. On univariate analysis, packed cell transfusions for anemia, double volume exchange transfusions (DVET), number of DVET, ventilation, gestational age <or= 28 weeks and apneic episodes were significantly higher in the T-ROP group. On multivariate analysis, the administration of packed cells [OR 2.8, 95 PERCENT CI 1.2, 6.6; (p = 0.014)] and DVET [OR 2.7, 95 PERCENT CI 1.2, 6.5; (p = 0.022)] emerged as independent risk factors of T-ROP.


CONCLUSIONS
Administration of blood products increases the risk of developing T-ROP among patients who have ROP. There is a need to exercise caution in the use of blood products in premature newborns.
Dutta
Sourabh
S
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India 160012. sourabhdutta@yahoo.co.in
Narang
Subina
S
Narang
Anil
A
Dogra
Mangat
M
Gupta
Amod
A
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors