We conducted this study to evaluate the
incidence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity in a
secondary care setting in newborns <37 weeks of gestation and or
birthweight <2000 g born between August 2009 and October 2010.
The initial ocular examination was carried out as
per protocol between 4th and 7th week after birth by a single
ophthalmologist. The findings were noted as per the guidelines of
International Classification of Retinopathy (ICROP) [1].
A total of 84 infants were studied. Of these, 3
died and were excluded. ROP was present in 16/81 (19.7%), of whom 4
infants had stage 3 ROP or greater. The incidence of ROP requiring
surgery was 4 (4.9%).The incidence of ROP in survivors <28 weeks was
67%. Seventy five per cent of threshold ROP requiring surgery
occurred in infants <28 weeks gestation at birth. There was one
stage 3 ROP in an infant >32 weeks gestation. The baby had eventful
neonatal period during the stay. For infants <1000 g, the incidence
of ROP of any degree was 50% (3/6), of whom 33% had threshold ROP.
The birthweight and gestational age were significant risk factor for
ROP (P<0.001). Sepsis, duration of neonatal ventilation, and
duration of oxygen therapy, gender distribution, mode of delivery
and PIH during pregnancy were not statistically significant.
Earlier studies from Delhi, Pune, and Bangalore
showed 11-12% incidence of ROP tertiary care centers in [2-4], which
was much lower than our observation. Concerns are growing about the
need to screen bigger newborn babies for ROP [5,6]. Our study
emphasizes the need to also screen preterm babies >32 wk and >1500 g
also, especially in secondary care centers.
Acknowledgments: Dr Priya Amitabh and Ms
Prakriti Sinha for inputs.
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