Incidence and Risk Factors of Retinopathy of Prematurity in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Western India

Abstract Background: Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disorder affecting the retina of premature infants, leading to potential visual impairment and blindness. With advancements in neonatal care, the incidence of ROP has increased, particularly in developing countries where neonatal care practices vary widely. Aim: To estimate the incidence, perinatal risk factors, and severity of ROP in premature infants. To study the effect of gestational age on incidence of Retinopathy of Prematurity at a tertiary care centre in western India. Design: A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted. Methods: This study included premature infants who fulfilled inclusion criteria’s. Results: The incidence of ROP in this study was 20% (40/200). The mean gestational age and birth weight in ROP infants were 29.92 ± 1.57 weeks and 1200 ± 176.5 g, respectively. Among the affected infants, 10 infants (25%) had stage 1 ROP, 14 infants (35%) had stage 2 ROP, and 16 infants (40%) had stage 3 ROP. No cases of stage 4 or 5 ROP were observed. Progression to severe ROP was noted in six infants (15%). Oxygen supplementation, respiratory distress syndrome, and apnea were significant risk factors for ROP in the univariate analysis whereas, lower gestational age and low birth weight were significant predictors in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial burden of ROP in preterm infants and underscores the need for strict neonatal monitoring, timely screening, and appropriate intervention. Early identification of risk factors, particularly oxygen supplementation and respiratory complications, can aid in the prevention and management of ROP, thereby reducing the risk of blindness in premature infants.