Incidence and Risk Factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity at a Rural Tertiary Hospital in Thailand.

Purpose: To estimate the incidence and identify the factors affecting retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a rural tertiary hospital in Thailand.

Methods: This retrospective chart review included all infants screened for ROP. The study included all infants with gestational age (GA) $\le$ 30 weeks or birth weight (BW) $\le$ 1,500 gr or selected larger infants with an unstable clinical course. Retinal findings were classified according to the revised International Classification of ROP. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results: Of the 113 screened infants, the incidences of any ROP and ROP requiring intervention were 17.7% and 8.8%, respectively. In univariate analysis, lower GA, lighter BW, total days of supplemental oxygen, days of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), presence of apnea, and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) were associated with the development of any ROP. In the stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis, lighter BW, male gender, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were significant risk factors for the development of any ROP. Lower GA and being either a twin or triplet were significant risk factors for ROP requiring intervention. However, no antenatal condition was identified as a risk factor for ROP.

Conclusion: The incidence of ROP in rural tertiary hospitals was relatively high as compared with previously published data from urban tertiary hospitals. Lighter BW, male gender, and BPD were significantly associated with the development of ROP in a local context. Epidemiological studies are necessary to prevent ophthalmic morbidities.