[Retinopathy of prematurity: risk factors analysis].

PURPOSE: The study aimed at evaluating potential risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Two-hundred and thirty-one premature infants were divided into 3 groups, according to the stage of ROP: group A consisted of 68 infants who underwent cryotherapy for severe ROP, group B of 45 with ROP regressed spontaneously, and group C of 118 premature infants without ROP. Risk factors were identified based on the medical records of the infants and interview with mothers. Data were subjected to statistical analyses using logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The analysis identified four main risk factors of ROP: birth weight, gestational age, Apgar score at one minute, and time of oxygen exposure. The probability of qualifying an infant to group A is the highest for those with gestational age less than 28 weeks, birth weights below 1000 g, and Apgar score up to 3 points. The infants with gestational age over 31 weeks, birth weight over 1500 g, and Apgar score higher than 6 points were included in group C. In case of oxygen therapy over 25 days, the infants are highly probable to be included into group A. However, in case of the oxygen therapy les than 5 days, infants can be assigned to group C.

CONCLUSIONS

The evaluation of the role of the individual risk factors can be helpful in identifying neonates at high risk of ROP, and including them in the early and systematic ophthalmological care.