PROBLEM/BACKGROUND: Increased survival of very low birthweight infants due to advances in neonatal management has resulted in infants at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). ROP is a pathologic process that occurs only in immature retina tissue and can progress to retinal detachment and several factors increase the risk of ROP.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and risk factors for severe retinopathy of prematurity among very low birthweight infants.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study.
SETTING: Buddhachinaraj Phitsanulok Hospital.
MATERIALS and METHOD: All very low birthweight infants, born between October 2004 to September 2007, who were admitted in NICU at Buddhachinaraj Phitsanulok Hospital, were examined for ROP by an ophthalmologist. Infants who had ROP were included in this study and determined factors influencing the development of severe ROP.
RESULTS: Two hundred and three infants were enrolled in this study. The incidence of severe ROP was 13.3% (27/203). The risk factors associated with severe ROP were sepsis and low Apgar score at 1 minute.
CONCLUSIONS: Severe ROP is associated with sicker infants. The main risk factors for development of severe ROP are sepsis and birth asphyxia. All high risk neonates should be screened for ROP.