Neonatal Risk Factors Associated With Retinopathy of Prematurity

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity, or ROP, is one of the major causes of childhood blindness. Most cases of ROP occur in premature infants, and several neonatal and demographic factors have been linked to the disease, although their relative importance is still being investigated. Knowledge regarding these risk factors is needed to produce effective prevention and treatment plans. This study aimed to identify neonatal risk factors linked to ROP. Methodology: A case-control study was conducted at the Institute of Ophthalmology, Mayo Hospital Lahore. A total of 94 premature infants, with a gestational age of 37 weeks or less and a birth weight of ≤2500 g, were included, comprising 47 cases and 47 controls. Both groups were matched for age and gender. Data relating to gestation age, birth weight, and neonatal risk factors (neonatal sepsis, oxygen supplementation, blood transfusion, mechanical ventilation, respiratory infection history, ROP family history, multiple gestation) was ascertained on the questionnaire and subjected to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 analysis. Results: Significant risk factors in the study for developing ROP were multiple gestations, blood transfusions, and a family history of ROP with an adjusted odds ratio of 5.27, 9.11, and 12.92, respectively. Phototherapy was a protective factor (adjusted odds ratio = 0.28). The logistic regression model has a relatively good predictive ability with an AUC of 0.746. Conclusion: This study highlights that multiple gestation, blood transfusion, and a family history of ROP significantly increase the chances of ROP development among premature infants, while phototherapy appears to offer a protective effect. These findings point out the importance of close monitoring and focused therapies for high-risk infants to avoid ROP development.