Retinopathy of preterm newborn: incidence and associated factors

Abstract

With the objective of evaluating the incidence and associated factors in retinopathy of preterm newborns (RP), a prospective study of 248 preterm, low birth-weight infants ( <1500 g) who were admitted to the neonatal ITU of the Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital of Concepción was carried out. 70 newborns with at least some degree of retinopathy were detected for an overall incidence of 28.2%. In babies weighing less than 1000 g the incidence was 58.8% and 28.9% in those weighing between 1000 g and 1249 g. 65.7% (46/70) presented with retinopathy grade 1 or 11. The average number of days of additional oxygen, mechanical ventilation and episodes of hyperoxygenaemia (PaO₂ > 80 mmHg) was significantly higher in those with RP (p < 0.01). The percentage of episodes of hypoxia (PaO₂ < 50 mmHg), hypercapnia (PaCO₂ > 50 mmHg), acidosis (pH < 7.25), apnoea and sepsis was also significantly higher in the newborn with RP (p < 0.03). We conclude that RP is a multifactorial entity and for this reason is difficult to prevent. Routine opthalamic examination in low birthweight babies is fundamental in order to detect possible retinopathy.