The role of blood transfusions and iron intake on retinopathy of prematurity.

BACKGROUND

The role of blood transfusions and iron intake in the pathogenesis or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is controversial.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of packed red cell (PRC) transfusions and iron intake on ROP incidence.

STUDY

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SUBJECTS: Forty-five preterm infants with birthweight <1250 g were studied. After ophthalmological study, they were divided into group A (n=24) that included newborns without ROP, and group B (n=21) that included newborns with ROP.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that gestational age (OR 0.61; 95% C.I. 0.41-0.90), transfusion volume during the first week (OR 1.16; 95% C.I. 1.03-1.3) and during the first 2 months of life (OR 2.93; 95% C.I. 1.52-5.62), and iron intake during the first week of life (OR 1.15; C.I. 1.01-1.32) and during the first 2 months of life (OR 2.93; 95% C.I. 1.52-5.62) were associated with the development of ROP.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that gestational age, blood transfusion volume and iron load by transfusions are associated with the risk of occurrence of ROP in infants with a birthweight of less than 1250 g.