Retinopathy of prematurity--risk factors.
OBJECTIVE
Improved survival of low birth weight, premature babies have increased the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity. This hospital-based, prospective, study was undertaken to determine its incidence and risk factors in our neonatal unit.


METHODS
Neonates with gestational age < or = 35 weeks and/or birth weight < or = 1500 gm born over a one-year period were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy between 2 to 4 weeks after birth, and followed up till retinal vascularisation was complete. Maternal and neonatal risk factors were noted and data analyzed by statistical package SPSS-10.0.


RESULTS
Sixty babies were thus examined. The incidence of retinopathy was 21.7% in the cohort, 33.3% in babies < or = 32 weeks gestation and 36.4% in babies weighing < or = 1250 gm. Oxygen (p=0.01), sepsis (p=0.04) and apnoea (p=0.02) were independent risk factors. Retinopathy was significantly more severe in babies with hyaline membrane disease (p=0.02) and lower birth weight (p=0.02). Severe disease was never seen before 6.5 weeks of age.


CONCLUSIONS
Indirect ophthalmoscopy should be performed at 4 weeks of post natal age in all preterm babies with birth weight < or = 1500 gm, and intensified in the presence of risk factors like oxygen administration, apnoea and septicemia.
Gupta
Ved P
VP
Department of Ophthalmology, University College of Medical Sciences, GTB Hospital, Delhi, India.
Dhaliwal
Upreet
U
Sharma
Rohit
R
Gupta
Piyush
P
Rohatgi
Jolly
J
D001049:Apnea / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006819:Hyaline Membrane Disease / Q000150:complications; D015994:Incidence; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007223:Infant; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications