Incidence, risk factors, and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity among very low birth body weight infants

AbstractPurposeThis study was conducted to determine the incidence, risk factors, and treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.MethodsThis work is a retrospective, observational analysis of all VLBW infants managed at National Taiwan University Hospital from 2002 to 2005.ResultsThe chart data of 96 VLBW infants were reviewed. Seven of the 96 infants (7.3%) were noted to have no ROP, while 18 infants (18.7%) had minor ROP (stage 1 and stage 2 ROP) and 71 infants (74%) had severe ROP (greater than stage 2 ROP). With lower gestational age, lower birth body weight, greater degree of respiratory distress syndrome, prolonged use of oxygen, and without maternal history of antenatal steroid use, the incidence of severe ROP (greater than stage 2) increased significantly (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.01, p < 0.001, and p = 0.03, respectively).ConclusionMore severe ROP may correlate with lower gestational age, lower birth body weight, and longer oxygen use. Use of antenatal steroid would decrease the incidence of severe ROP