Risk factors for retinopathy in the premature newborns

Introduction. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the basic medical problems that have a negative impact on the development of
children born prematurely.

Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to estimate ROP frequency and to identify factors related to this disease.

Material and methods. One hundred forty nine premature newborns, treated at the Department of Pathology and Neonatal Intensive Care
at the University Children’s Hospital in Krakow in 2008–2009 years, were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were: gestation age less than 32 weeks
and birth weight equal or less than 2000 g. Material was collected using computer data base with individual patient’s disease course and
paper files. Relationship of analyzed factors was established using analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient and Chi2 test, level of
significance was p < 0,05.

Results. ROP was diagnosed in 35% (52/149) premature babies and distribution of the level of retinopathy was following: I grade — 10% (5/52);
II grade — 17% (9/52); III grade — 73% (38/52). Factors significantly related to the occurrence and the level of ROP were: low gestational age,
extremely low birth weight (< 750 g), sepsis, perinatal asphyxia, long period of mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy, frequent blood
transfusions, formation of posthemorrhagic encephalopathy or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Conclusions. ROP is a quite often disease in premature babies. Moreover, there is significant relationship between the level of ROP and low
gestational age and intensive medical interventions.