An Observational Study to Compare Prophylactic versus Therapeutic Surfactant Therapy and Retinopathy of Prematuriy among Preterm Babies

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vascular proliferative disorder of the retina in prematureinfants, often resulting in lifelong visual disability if untreated. Surfactant therapy is a key intervention in themanagement of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), yet the effect of its timing, prophylactic or therapeutic, onROP development remains unclear.Objective: To evaluate the association between the timing of surfactant therapy (prophylactic vs. therapeutic) andthe incidence/severity of ROP in preterm neonates.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 100 preterm neonates (<34 weeks, <1750g)who received surfactant. Group 1 received prophylactic surfactant within 30 minutes of birth; Group 2 receivedtherapeutic surfactant after developing RDS. ROP screening was performed using indirect ophthalmoscopy. Dataon ROP occurrence, risk factors, and outcomes were statistically analyzed.Results: ROP incidence was significantly lower in the prophylactic group (18.2%) than in the therapeutic group(50.0%). Severe ROP requiring intervention occurred in 4.5% of Group 1 versus 32.1% of Group 2. Longeroxygen exposure and mechanical ventilation were more common in Group 2.Conclusion: Prophylactic surfactant therapy in preterm neonates significantly reduces the risk and severity ofROP, potentially through improved respiratory outcomes and reduced oxygen exposure.