Retinopathy of Prematurity: Its incidence, prevalence and risk factors in a teaching hospital in South India

Retinopathy of Prematurity

Abstract

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an important cause of preventable blindness in the world. In India also as more and more premature babies are being saved the incidence is on the rise. Aim of this study is to know the incidence, prevalence and risk factors of ROP in preterm babies with birth weight < 1750 gms and /or gestational age < 35 weeks in a teaching hospital. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted at Amala Institute of Medical Sciences from August 2016 to July 2018. All preterm babies < 1750 gms and/ or gestational age < 35 weeks and babies > 35 weeks and > 1750 gms with significant risk factors were screened for ROP. Results: Out of 202 babies, 180 babies fulfilled the criteria and completed the study. 12 babies did not meet the follow up criteria and 10 babies died before screening in the hospital. Out of 180 babies, 12 babies were found to have ROP with a prevalence rate of 6.7%.Conclusion: ROP is an important cause of preventable blindness in these vulnerable babies. Timely diagnosis and intervention will help to prevent the same.