Background: Retinopathy of Prematurity [ROP] is a leading cause of blindness in preterm infants. This condition's incidence is rising due to advancements in neonatal care. Identifying the risk factors, such as low birth weight and oxygen therapy, is crucial for early detection and intervention to prevent long-term visual impairment.
Aim: his study aims to explore the incidence and risk factors ROP in preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] of Al-Azhar University Hospital, Damietta.
Patients and Methods: This Cross-sectional study included 100 babies selected from those admitted in neonatal care unit in Al-Azhar University hospital in Damietta from September 2023 to September 2024. Complete medical history and clinical examination was done for every baby at the time of recruitment. Complementary screening using indirect ophthalmoscope and wide field fundus imaging using Ret-cam were done for all eligible babies at 31-week post conception age or 3-4 weeks after birth.
Results: The prevalence of ROP was 66 babies [33%]. Thirty babies [45.5%] were stage 1, 32 babies were [48.5%] stage 2, and 4 babies [6%] were stage 3. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that, Birth weight, Sepsis, anemia, and O2 therapy > 7 days were the only predictors for the development of ROP.
Conclusion: ROP screening in preterm infants is crucial to prevent blindness and long-term visual issues. Efforts should focus on reducing ROP incidence, avoiding risk factors, and enhancing screening guidelines.