Maternal Determinants of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): Spotlight on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is increasingly recognized as one of the major causes of preventable blindness in India and other low- and middle-income countries, particularly affecting preterm infants. Identifying risk factors is crucial for early detection and prevention. Our study aims to reevaluate determinants of ROP among preterm and low birth weight neonates admitted to a tertiary care center in South India.  Methodology: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital, including preterm neonates with gestational age <37 weeks and/or birth weight <2500 g. The total sample size was 100, and the study was conducted over three months. Univariate analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between individual variables.

RESULTS

ROP was observed in 29% of enrolled neonates, with significant associations identified between ROP and gestational age (p = 0.03), birth weight (p = 0.01), maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (p = 0.03), neonatal apnea (p = 0.02), and oxygen therapy (p = 0.03). These findings highlight the substantial burden of ROP and its association with modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Additionally, the study suggests a potential emerging role of GDM as a risk factor for ROP.