Objective: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of infant blindness. This study was designed to screen the high-risk premature infants and investigate the incidence and risk factors associated with the development of ROP.
Methods: From July 1 2002 to June 30 2003, all premature infants born in Beijing Maternal and Children Healthcare Hospital with birth body weight (BBW) less than 2000 gm or gestational age (GA) less than 34 weeks were enrolled and underwent ophthalmologic examination. The perinatal variables were analyzed to evaluate their correlation with the development of ROP.
Results: In 98 premature infants, the incidence of ROP was 17.3% (17 in 98 patients). Four cases with 7 eyes (4.1%) developed threshold ROP. There was significant difference in birth body weight, gestational age, maximal oxygen tension, oxygen use for more than 5 days and sepsis between ROP and Non-ROP groups. Logistic regression analysis indicated that long time use of oxygen was a significant risk factor associated with the development of ROP. GA and BBW were protective factors of ROP.
Conclusion: Low birth body weight, young gestational age and long time oxygen usage are the most important risk factors in the development of ROP.