Early-Stage treatment for Retinopathy of prematurity- A prospective study

Abstract

Background: To investigate retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).is a serious complication of prematurity treatment and can lead to blindness unless recognized and treated early.

 Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in a private NICU hospital and center Shri Aurobindo Medical Research Centre Raipur Chhattisgarh, India. The study population included 182 neonates; all preterm infants admitted to the NICU from January 2017 to December 2019.

 Results - Out of the 182 neonates; 89 (48.90%) were boys and 93 (51.09%) were girls. The mean gestational age was 33.02 ± 1.72 weeks; 28 (15.38%) were ≤ 32 weeks; and 154 (84.61) were >32 weeks. The birth weight ranged from 950 to 2100 grams. 63 (34.61%) were delivered vaginally and 110 (60.43%) cases were delivered by cesarean section, and 9 (4.94%) cases were delivered by instrumental. Around 98 (53.84%) cases are from urban areas and 84 (46.15%) from rural areas. Out of the 182 neonates; 59 (32.41%) cases developed ROP in one or both eyes classified as 28 (15.38%) cases Stage 1, 19 (10.43%) cases stage 2, and 12 (6.59%) cases Stage 3. Study shows the relationship between ROP and risk factors. There was a significant relationship between the occurrence of ROP and gestational age (P = 0.000), sepsis (P = 0.000), oxygen therapy (P = 0.000), and frequency of blood transfusions (P = 0.030).

 Conclusion: The prevalence of ROP in this study was 59 (32.41%) When monitoring preterm newborns, clinicians should be aware that these additional risk factors exist. The examination of risk variables will aid in understanding and predicting ROP development in severely preterm newborns. Preventing the development of progressive ROP in high-risk preterm newborns requires prompt retinal screening. All efforts must be taken to prevent the development of advanced ROP by removing preterm infants, altering neonatal care, and improving the identification of dangerous ROP signs. This is because ROP can cause catastrophic sequelae up to full blindness.