Risk of retinopathy of prematurity in small for gestational age premature infants.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence, risk factors and severity of retinopathy of prematurity in neonatal intensive care unit and to evaluate its relationship with gestational age.

METHODS

Cohort study of neonates with gestational age ≤ 32 weeks or birthweight ≤ 1500 g.

RESULTS

Of the 495 neonates screened, 43 (8.7%) infants were small for gestational age; the frequency of severe retinopathy of prematurity was 5.8%. Sepsis and being small for gestational age were independent risk factors for severe retinopathy of prematurity.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should be aware of the presence of presence of retinopathy of prematurity when caring for protein small for gestational age infants.