Postnatal risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

To investigate the postnatal risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), we analysed demographic and clinical data abstracted from the medical records of 425 premature babies who were examined for ROP between January 1994 and December 1998 at Asan Medical Centre, Seoul, Korea. ROP developed in 20.7% of the cases studied. A gestational age (GA) of < or = 28 weeks and birthweight (BW) of < or = 1000 g were the most significant risk factors. Ventilator care for > or = 48 h, apnoea, and use of surfactant independently increased the incidence of ROP. Furthermore, frequent apnoeic attacks increased the progression of pre-threshold ROP to threshold ROP. Therefore, as well as GA and BW, apnoea, prolonged use of a ventilator, and surfactant therapy are significant independent risk factors for ROP. In addition, apnoea may not only increase the risk of developing ROP, but may also worsen pre-existing ROP.

Clinical practices in neonatal oxygenation: where have we failed? What can we do?

“…40 At the time of these prospective studies, there were surveys or cohort studies that also supported an association with less ROP in different centers utilizing different SpO2 targets. [41][42][43] Recently, several studies [44][45][46] have confirmed our findings. Wright et al 44 concluded that SPO 2 between 83 and 93% and avoiding oxygen fluctuations prevent the early vaso-obliterative phase and subsequent severe ROP.…”

Nucleated Red Blood Cells in Preterm Infants With Retinopathy of Prematurity

“…Progress in neonatal intensive care has led to an increased survival of small preterm infants and, subsequently, to an increasing incidence of ROP. 1,2 In a populationbased cohort study, Chiang et al 3 reported that the overall incidence of ROP among newborn infants in New York State during the study period was 0.2%. Although many theories exist about the pathogenesis of ROP, the mechanisms by which preterm infants develop ROP are still unclear, and the cause of ROP is widely considered to be multifactorial.…”

Screening for retinopathy of prematurity in neonates

“…[10][11][12] In present study, low gestational age, prematurity, apnea, respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, oxygen therapy, intraventricular hemorrhage and frequency of blood transfusions were found to be risk factors for development of ROP independently.…”