Background: Due to improved survival of Neonates, Incidence of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) has also increased, which is a serious complication among premature neonates. It can lead to blindness unless recognized early.

Aims & Objectives: To Estimate the proportion and various associated risk factors of Retinopathy of Prematurity among high risk neonates in the NICU.

Materials and Methods: A Prospective Cohort Study was conducted enrolling all neonates admitted in NICU of a Tertiary Care Hospital from January 2018 to August 2018, with a gestational age <36 weeks and birth weight <1800 gms and Neonates with gestational age >36 weeks or birth weight >1800 gms who are exposed to oxygen were included. A total of 96 neonates underwent retinal evaluation by indirect ophthalmoscopy after Fourth postnatal week. Perinatal risk factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity were assessed using statistical analytical tests like Chi Square test and Mid P Exact test.

Results: Out of 96 neonates, 13 neonates (13.54%) developed ROP; Among them 09 (69.23%) cases of stage 1, 1 (7.69%) case of stage 2, and 3 (23.07%) cases of stage 3. None of the neonates presented ROP at stages 4 or 5. Significant relationship was found between the occurrence of ROP and gestational age, oxygen therapy, blood transfusions, mode of oxygen delivery and sepsis. No association was found between the occurrence of ROP and gender, mode of delivery, birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, birth asphyxia, IUGR babies, intraventricular hemorrhage, meconium aspiration syndrome, phototherapy and duration of oxygentherapy.

Conclusion: The incidence of ROP in this study was 13.54%; low gestational age, oxygen therapy, blood transfusion and mode of oxygen delivery and sepsis are significant risk factors for ROP occurrence.

Keywords: Prematurity, Retinopathy of Prematurity, Oxygen therapy.

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Dr Satish Dattu Ashtekar

Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Miraj, Maharashtra, India