Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in high-risk babies and laser treatment

This study aimed to determine the proportion of babies having retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by a screening of high-risk babies and to determine the proportion of babies requiring laser for ROP.

A tertiary hospital-based prospective descriptive study was carried out over a span of 2 years in 370 neonates admitted in the Department of Neonatology for prematurity, low birth weight (less than 1750 g), or neonates weighing 1750–2000 g and having an unstable clinical course. Neonates with congenital anomalies e.g., congenital cataract, neonates whose ROP screening was postponed beyond inclusion time due to unstable clinical course, and neonates whose parents refused to give consent were excluded from the study. Retinal evaluation by indirect ophthalmoscopy was done in all subjects till the maturation of the retina. The development of ROP and the need for laser therapy were considered as unfavourable outcomes. Risk factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis.

ROP was detected in 147 cases (39.73%). Stage 1 ROP was present in 38 cases (25.85%); stage 2, 3, 4 and 5 ROP was found in 26(17.69%), 78(53.06%), 3(2.04%) and 2(1.36%) cases, respectively. Gender had no correlation to ROP (p value 0.107). Birth weight was a significant factor in the occurrence of ROP. Maternal gestational age at the time of birth is a significant factor for the development of ROP (p value <0.001).

Prevalence of ROP is increasing due to improved survival of preterm babies. Adherence to a ROP screening protocol in neonatal care facilities can prevent blindness in a large number of infants by early diagnosis and treatment.