Deepika Priyadarshini1, Sabita Devi2, Prangya Panda3
BACKGROUND
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) also known as retrolental fibroplasia is a
vasoproliferative retinopathy which affects the retinal blood vessels in developing
state. ROP is one of the major causes of preventable blindness in children. It
usually occurs in very low birth weight premature infants. Its presentation varies
from complete regression in some, to leaving long term sequelae in others. Our
aim was to find the prevalence of ROP in Ganjam district, Odisha.
METHODS
A prospective study was undertaken in M.K.C.G. Medical College and Hospital
along with Christian Hospital and City Hospital, Berhampur, from 01/10/2016 to
30/09/2018. Babies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were screened after 3rd week of
life or post-conceptional age of 31 - 33 weeks whichever was at a later date, and
followed till 45 weeks of gestation according to stage. The babies were screened
by indirect ophthalmoscopy and 28 D lens with the help of infant speculum and
scleral depressor after instilling topical anaesthetic 2 % proparacaine. The pupil
was dilated with 0.4 % tropicamide and 2.5 % phenylephrine. Analysis of
qualitative data was done by chi-square test.
RESULTS
Out of 123 babies examined, 26 were lost to follow up and 19 out of 97 babies
(19.58 %) developed ROP (inclusive of all stages). Low birth weight, low
gestational age, duration of oxygen exposure > 2 days, exchange transfusion,
septicaemia with positive CRP value were found to be significant risk factors in
development of ROP. Hyperbilirubinemia, gender and multiple gestation were
found to be insignificant in the development of ROP.
CONCLUSIONS
Timely screening, regular follow-up, early detection and intervention are the best
ways to reduce the prevalence of ROP. Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) should
follow strict guidelines for screening of new-borns. Proper counselling and
motivation of parents for regular screening of at-risk infants are the need of the
hour.
