Epidemiological Profile of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Central India.

BACKGROUND

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative retinal disorder predominantly affecting premature infants with low birth weight. This study aims to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of ROP among preterm infants in central India, where the healthcare infrastructure and accessibility vary significantly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, observational, non-randomized study was conducted over three years in a tertiary teaching hospital in central India. The study included neonates with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks and/or birth weight of below 2000 grams, as well as neonates between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation who had specific risk factors (e.g., oxygen therapy, sepsis, multiple births, blood transfusion) and were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Infants were screened for ROP, and outcomes were categorized based on the severity of the disease.

RESULTS

Of the 300 preterm infants enrolled, 90 (30%) developed ROP, with 60 (20%) having mild ROP and 30 (10%) requiring treatment for severe ROP. Severe ROP was significantly associated with lower gestational age (mean: 29.8 weeks) and lower birth weight (mean: 1200 grams). Prolonged oxygen therapy, sepsis, multiple pregnancies, and blood transfusions were identified as significant risk factors. Following laser photocoagulation treatment, 85% (n=25) of infants with severe ROP showed regression, though 15% (n=13) experienced complications leading to significant visual impairment.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive ROP screening, optimized oxygen therapy guidelines, and robust infection control to mitigate the risk of ROP in central India. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and innovative prevention and treatment approaches tailored to this population's unique needs.