Study of risk factors in the development of retinopathy of prematurity in late preterms

Abstract

Context: In India, late preterm babies are susceptible to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This study is done to assess the incidence of ROP and also to analyze the risk factors involved in the development of ROP in preterm babies between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation. Aims: Risk factor analysis of ROP in late preterm babies. Settings and Design: This is a prospective observational study done in a tertiary-level multispecialty hospital between January 2020 and January 2022. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and eleven preterm babies born between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation were included in the study. Their systemic comorbidities were identified after reviewing their hospital records. They were followed up till their retina reached maturity. Statistical Analysis: It was carried out using SPSS software version 17. Results: The incidence of ROP was 6.2%. Twelve (92.3%) babies belonged to type 2 ROP. All these babies had a spontaneous resolution of ROP and did not require any intervention. One (7.7%) baby born at 36 weeks of gestation with a birth weight of 1.5 kg, presented at 52 weeks of gestation with Stage 5B of ROP in both eyes. Using univariate regression analysis, SGA status, pleural effusion, chylothorax, congestive cardiac failure, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy, and any intervention were found to be statistically significant. On multivariate analysis, SGA status and hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy were statistically significant. Conclusions: All preterm babies born before 37 weeks of gestation should have at least one ROP screening to prevent the development of sight-threatening ROP.