Publication:

Prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity among premature babies in a tertiary care hospital

Background Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a Vaso-proliferative retinal disease affecting low birth weight (BW) and premature infants which leads to blindness unless recognized and treated early. Aim was to study prevalence of ROP in babies 32 weeks or BW>1500 gm were included if they were exposed to oxygen therapy for more than >7 days. Neonates with a BW<1500 g and GA<32 weeks who were referred for a ROP eye examination as an outpatient, were included in the study. Neonates with major congenital malformations, syndromes or congenital cataracts or tumors of the eyes, and those that died before the eye examination or did not attend the out-patient’s department for an eye examination, were excluded. More than 100 premature babies were examined by indirect ophthalmoscope with 20 D lens, scleral depressor and eye speculum. First examination was done at 4th post-natal week then weekly and biweekly until retinal vascularization has reached zone 3.

Results Out of 100 neonates, ROP was identified in nine neonates (10%) at the first eye examination. ROP was significantly associated with BW (p =0.0165), GA (p = 0.0176).

Conclusions We identified ROP in 10% of neonates at first eye examination. Significant associations between ROP and a GA<32 weeks and a BW<1500 g was also observed. We also stress that serial follow-up of neonates at risk for ROP is important when making a final diagnosis.