Clinical Evaluation on the Screening of Retinopathy of Prematurity and Its Relevant Risk Factors

Objective To investigate the screening of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and its related risk factors. Methods From January 2009 to December 2010, a total of 250 preterm newborns were recruited into this study. The gestational ages were less than 36 gestational weeks, birth weights were under 2500 g. All the cases underwent ROP screening at one week after birth, and then received regular follow-up until peripheral retinal neovascularization or lesion degradation. The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Review Board of Investigation in Human Being of Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Shunde, Jinan University. Informed consent was obtained from the parents of each participating neonate. The relationship among ROP and systemic conditions and oxygen inhalation of newborns, oxygen inhalation volume of mother during pregnancy, preeclampsia, placental abruption and other factors were analyzed, respectively. Results All the 250 newborns completed the retinal screening. A total of 16 newborns (26 eyes) were found ROP, and the prevalence rate of ROP were 6.4% (16/250) and 5.2%(26/500), respectively, in which 12 cases (75.0%) of grade 1, 3(18.8%) of grade 2 and 1(6.3%)of grade 3. Univariate analysis of risk factors of ROP showed gestational age, birth weight, oxygen inhalation time, oxygen inhalation concentration, mechanical ventilation were associated with ROP (P 0.05). Conclusions Premature birth, high concentrations of oxygen inhalation, mechanical ventilation are major risk factors of ROP. Preterm newborns should have regular screening and follow-up in order to find the lesion as soon as possible to decrease the incidence rate of blindness. Key words: premature newborn; retinopathy of prematurity; neonatal screening; risk factor