title: Retinopathy of Prematurity in Neonates and its Risk Factors: A Seven Year Study in Northern Iran.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An important cause of avoidable childhood blindness is retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in countries with high human development index and also in some emerging economies countries. To date, no research have been conducted on analyzing data of ROP prevalence in Babol, and this is the first research performed on ROP in this area.
  
  
  METHODS
  All VLBW babies who referred to Babol ophthalmology center over the seven years, from February 2007 to December 2013 were enrolled in this descriptive cross-sectional research. A team of researchers recorded patients' information completely in check lists. A single experienced ophthalmologist performed ophthalmologic examination of patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence of ROP of any stage in Babol was determined to be 306 (45%) of all babies enrolled in this study. In present study, key risk factors of ROP were low gestational age, oxygen therapy more than five days and low birth weight.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of current study demonstrate that the main risk factors of developing ROP in newborns are multiple gestation, low birth weight, oxygen therapy for more than five day. Therefore, the progression of ROP to blindness will be prevented by a high index of suspicion, suitable screening, prompt diagnosis, and early treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
authors.forename: Seyed Ahmad
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Rasoulinejad
authors.affiliation: Young Researchers Club, Islamic Azad University, Babol branch, Babol, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Montazeri
keywords: Birth weight; multiple gestation; neonates; prevalence; retinopathy of Prematurity; risk factors