Incidence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity in a tertiary eye hospital in Tehran

Aim: To determine the incidence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants referred to a tertiary eye hospital during 2003- 2007 to provide preliminary evidence about ROP in Iran. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, data of premature infants screened for ROP in Farabi Eye Hospital including possible risk factors and eye exams ’ results were recorded and analyzed using chi square, univariate and multiple regressions. Severe ROP was defined as ROP needing treatment or stage 4 or 5 of ROP. Results: Among 953 premature infants, 329 (34.5%) had any stage of ROP. Severe ROP was seen in 22.6% (215/953) of infants (16.5%: treatable, 6.1%: advanced untreatable). The mean GA and BW of infants with severe ROP were 28.8±2.4 weeks and 1256±389 gr respectively. Univariate analysis showed significant relation between GA, BW, oxygen therapy, blood transfusion and ROP (all p values<0.001), while multiple regression methods showed GA, BW and oxygen therapy as independent predictors of ROP (p values <0.001, 0.019 and 0.033 respectively). Conclusion: We observed a relatively high incidence of ROP in our series especially its severe form affecting relatively more mature infants, which merits further investigation. GA, BW and Oxygen therap