Incidence and Risk Factors of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Khatam Al-Anbia Ophthalmology Hospital in Mashhad City

Background and aim: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a complex disease initiated by abnormal retinal vascularization in premature infants. ROP causes more than 10% of childhood blindness in developed countries and a preventable disease with determining its risk factors. Then it's necessary to resolve the incidence rate and risk factors of ROP in our area.
Materials and methods: In a retrospective study, all premature infants referred to the ROP clinic of Khatam Al-Anbia Ophthalmology hospital (April 2015- Sept 2016) recorded. Chi-Square Test analyzed qualitative data and quantitative data analyzed by T-test and ANOVA.
Results: Among 1247 premature infants there were 553, (44%) different stages of ROP. Data analysis showed a significant relationship between ROP and low birth weight (P value<0.0001), prematurity (P value<0.0001), NICU admission (P value<0.0001), oxygen therapy (P value<0.0001), multiple pregnancy (P value=0.049), surfactant therapy (P value=0.03). Gender (P value=0.52), gravid (P value=0.46) and type of delivery (P value=o.8) didn’t have significant relationship to ROP.
Conclusion: Among 1247 infants referred to Khatam Al-Anbia hospital, there were 553 (44%) different stages of ROP. According to the study, there is a significant relationship between ROP and variables such as low gestational age, low birth weight, NICU admission, receiving surfactant, and multiple pregnancies. There is no meaningful relationship between ROP and the gender, type of delivery, and gravid.