Distribution of Retinopathy of Prematurity and Its Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to determine the distribution and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants referred to neonates intensive care unit (NICU) of central hospital of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, to obtain primary information on ROP in Kerman, Iran. METHODS In a cross sectional prospective study, data of premature infants screened for ROP including possible risk factors and eye examination results were recorded during 2006-2008 and analyzed by using logistic regression and chi-square tests. FINDINGS Out of 83 premature infants, 24 (29%) had different stages of ROP (CI 95%: 0.19-0.39). The infants' mean gestational age (GA) and mean birth weight (BW) in ROP group were 30.17±1.8 weeks and 1247.92±237.1 grams (g), respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant relation between GA and BW with ROP (P<0.001). Indication for treatment was set in 6 (25%) infants. CONCLUSION The results of this study illustrate a relatively high prevalence of ROP in this series. GA and BW were independent ROP determinants.