The association between stage 3 or higher retinopathy of prematurity and other disorders of prematurity.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between stage III or higher retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and other prematurity disorders and parameters.

DESIGN

Retrospective, case-control study.

PARTICIPANTS

The subjects of the study were 55 consecutive premature neonates with stage III or higher ROP and 110 consecutive premature neonates without ROP.

METHODS

We compared consecutive premature neonates regarding the presence of ROP and other disorders as well as demographic and laboratory parameters.

RESULTS

Gestational age (p < 0.001); birth weight (p < 0.001); male sex (p = 0.031); bilirubin levels (p < 0.001); breast feeding (p < 0.001); clinical and laboratory sepsis (p < 0.001); number of sepsis events (p < 0.001); ventilation need (p < 0.001); number of ventilation days (p < 0.001); theophylline and surfactant use (p < 0.001); blood transfusions (p < 0.001); number of blood transfusions (p < 0.001); intraventricular hemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (p = 0.001); and other factors differed in the two groups. The logistic regression model showed a correlation between low gestational age (OD 0.474, CI 0.359-0.626); male sex (OD 2.991, CI 1.077-8.305); blood transfusion (OD 14.159, CI 1.570-127.7); and sepsis (OD 12.376, CI 2.532-60.503).

CONCLUSIONS

Certain disorders and parameters, such as sepsis and blood transfusions, may be predict the appearance of stage III or higher ROP. Close monitoring of neonates with these findings is imperative. Early detection and treatment of sepsis and reduction of blood transfusions may decrease the incidence of ROP that requires treatment.