Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate possible neonatal risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a population-based group of preterm, very low birth weight, infants.
Method: The main study group included 202 single-born infants with a birth weight of 1500 grams or less. A group of 57 twins were also described. Selected risk factors were extracted from the neonatal records.
Results: Univariate analysis revealed an association between ROP and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), septicaemia, intraventricular bleeding, and the use of ventilator as well as continuous positive airway pressure. In a stepwise logistic regression analysis, however, only gestational age at birth, birth weight and BPD were significantly associated with ROP.
Conclusion: Prematurity per se remains the strongest risk factor for ROP.