DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i01.037

Pages: 197-201

This study was done to study the incidence, risk factors, severity and interventions done for ROP in preterm babies. This was a Hospital based prospective study done in Neonatal intensive care unit for a period of 18 months. Inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria and timing of screening were taken according to NNF guidelines. ROP screening was done using RETCAM and timely intervention was done whenever needed with laser and/or intravitreal bevacizumab. Out of 576 screened preterm babies, 124 (21.4%) had ROP and among them 64 (51%) babies had type1 ROP, 48 (38%) had type2, 12(9.6%) had Aggressive posterior ROP. ROP incidence was higher in babies with birth weight <1000gms (75%), 1001-1250gms (63%),1250-1500gms (35%) with mean weight being 1310gms. 90% of babies with ROP were of < 34 weeks of gestation with mean GA of 31weeks. Most common risk factors identified on univariate analysis apart from birth weight and gestational age were oxygen therapy, CPAP, RDS, sepsis, duration of stay, apnea and hyperbilirubinemia (with p values < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed oxygen therapy, CPAP, RDS, sepsis and hyperbilirubinemia were significantly associated with ROP. Among 29 babies with blood transfusion, 44. 8 % had ROP and of which 77% had severe ROP (type 1 ROP or APROP). Laser treatment was given for 43 (56.6%) babies and intravitreal bevacizumab for 28 (36.8%) babies and 5(6.6%) babies received both. This study identified increased incidence of APROP. Severe ROP higher among babies who received blood transfusion.