Are there predictors for proliferative retinopathy of prematurity and is supplemental oxygen a useful conservative treatment option

BACKGROUND: Especially very immature preterm babies develop retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This study aims at analysing risk factors for proliferative ROP and realizing the efficiency of supplemental oxygen therapy. PATIENTS: 180 preterm babies with birth weight or = 3 were matched to pairs with similar immature babies with ROP 1 or 2. Additionally we examined the influence of supplemental oxygen therapy on the coagulation rate of high grade retinopathy. RESULTS: 44 % of the preterm babies showed ROP. A longer duration of ventilation (21 vs. 33 days), a longer duration of oxygen supplementation (59 vs. 78 days), relapsing sepsis (10 vs. 19 babies with sepsis > 2 times), a large total volume of transfusions (median: 150 mL vs. 105 mL), chronic lung disease (CLD) (6 vs. 15 babies with oxygen requirements at 36 weeks post-menstrual age), a duration of intubation for more than 28 days (13 vs. 6 babies) and the lack of phototherapy (21 vs. 9 babies) were risk factors associated with ROP > or = 3 using univariate analysis [p < 0.05]. Only the both last criteria correlated with high grade ROP after logistic regression. The supplemental oxygen therapy showed no influence on the coagulation rate of high grade ROP. Possibly this therapy influences the frequency of surgical treatment of amotio- and of putting on a cerclage, but this remains still speculative because of the low case number. We saw no negative effect on the frequency of CLD and on the survival of the babies. CONCLUSIONS: Especially measures against long duration of intubation could help to prevent high grade ROP. The supplemental oxygen therapy may have a positive effect on course.