JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Aims: The aim of our study are twofold (a) Study of incidence and clinical staging of ROPin premature new born infant in rural area. (b) Study of associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: All the babies born between July 2010 to July 2012 at R.L Jalappa Hospital and Research Center, Tamaka Kolar attached to Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College in neonatal care unit of pediatric department were included in the study . Results: A total of 350 children were screened with weight ranging from 2000 gm to 2500gm and gestational age between 30 to 37 weeks. 187(53.4%) of them were diagnosed to have retinopathy of prematurity. Amongst 187 cases (53.4%) which were diagnosed as ROP, 83 (44.4%) of them were having stage 1 ROP (retinopathy of prematurity), 79 (31%) of them were having stage 2 ROP, 22(11.76%) of them were having APROP, Five (1.4%) of them had plus disease and 5(1.4%) of them had preplus disease. Conclusion: Prevention of prematurity, control of preeclampsia, judicious use of ventilation and oxygen therapy are the only promising factors that may reduce the incidence and severity of ROPin the high-risk infant. The analysis of the risk factors for ROP will help us to understand and predict its development in high-risk neonates.

Keywords:Cryotherapy, Prematurity, Retinopathy of prematurity, Risk factors.