The Efficacy of Omega-3 Supplement on Prevention of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Premature Infants: A Randomized Double-blinded Controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of omega-3 in treating ROP in premature infants. METHODS: This randomized double-blinded controlled trial was performed on 160 premature infants with gestational age lower than 32 weeks and birth weight < 1500 grams who were at risk of ROP development (Tehran, Iran-2013). Children were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group received 300 mg omega-3 daily and the control group received sterile water as the placebo. The severity of ROP was defined according to the International Classification of ROP. RESULTS: The frequency of ROP was 7.5% in the group received omega-3 and 20.0% in the placebo group with a significant difference (p = 0.021). Regarding the severity of ROP in the intervention group, ROP grade I was found in two patients and ROP grade II in four patients; while ROP grade I, II, and III were revealed in 6, 6, and 4 patients in placebo group indicating a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.001). Using the multivariate logistic regression modeling with the presence of gender, gestational age, and birth weight, the use of omega-3 was associated with reduced risk for ROP (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: The use of omega-3 supplement can be an appropriate treatment option for the treatment of ROP in premature infants.