Frequency and Risk Factors Associated with Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Single Centre Study

Retinopathy of prematurity is the irregular development of blood vessels in the growing retina of premature infants, which can primarily lead to blindness. Objective: To identify frequency and risk factors associated with retinopathy of prematurity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 140 premature infants (gestational age ≤34 weeks) investigated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Central Park Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Preterm neonates’ weight ≤1.8 Kg and gestational age ≤34 weeks were enrolled. The neonate’s demographic details, risk factors for retinopathy, eye examinations, and follow-up were recorded. Their maternal history included maternal age, gestational age, and maternal risk factors. During their hospital stay, clinical progress, morbidity, and mortality were assessed and monitored. Descriptive statistics were done using SPSS version 26.0. Results: From these 140 premature infants, 74 (52.9%) were male and 66 (47.1%) were female. The average gestational age was 30.4 ± 2.36 weeks, with a mean birth weight of 1.3 ± 0.28 kg. Of total premature infants, 14 (10%) developed Retinopathy of premature whereas 6 (4.3%) infants expired and 21 (15%) lost to follow-up. Grade-I and Grade-II retinopathy of prematurity were developed in 8 (57.1%) and 6 (42.9%), respectively and based on regression analysis, low gestational age, respiratory distress syndrome, and sepsis independently predicted the onset of prematurity. Conclusions: It was concluded that the prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity was 10%. Lower gestational age, blood transfusion, lower birth weight, anemia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sepsis, and O2 therapy were primary factors of risk in retinopathy of prematurity development.