Evaluation of Risk Factors Affecting Development of Retinopathy in Premature Infants

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and prognosis of retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants. Methods: Between January1, 2008 and December 31, 2012 we included 537 premature infants born at the 34th gestational week and previously treated at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of our hospital. Risk factors for the development of retinopathy of prematurity were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Our study included 290 female and 247 male infants; 90 of these infants (16.7%) were at different stages of retinopathy of prematurity. Of these, 55(61.1%) had stage 1, 24(26.7%) had stage 2, 9(10%) had stage 3, and1 (1.11%) had stage 5 retinopathy of prematurity. Spontaneous regression was observed in 77 patients; laserphotocoagulation surgery was performed in 13 patients, and anti-VEGF therapy was given to 2 patients. One patient developed total retinal detachment. Birth weight, gestational weeks, Apgarscore (1st and 5th minutes), oxygen treatment duration, surfactant treatment, ventilator treatment and duration, maximum FIO2, anemia, transfusion, sepsis, apnea, intraventricular hemorrhage, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) other diseases (NEC, phototherapy, and PDA), antenatal steroid treatment, hospitalisation duration were significantly higher in patients with premature retinopathy; however, no significant difference was seen in sex, race, and maternal preeclampsia in these patients. Result: We found a lower incidence of premature retinopathy in our study than in other studies in the literature. The majority of our patients with retinopathy of prematurity required early mechanical ventilation and oxygen supplementation. A good understanding of the risk factors for the development of premature retinopathy and risk factors in premature infants and early diagnosis and treatment are very important for the prevention of blindness.